The following articles in the BRC Notebook supplement the information in this manual.

Copies of the Notebook are available through your nearest Hewlett Packard Sales Office 0

Most of the service information in the BRC Notebooks has largely been incorporated in
this manual; the service articles are added here only for completeness.

Article BRC Notebook No.

Theory: The Nature of Q - 1

Q Meter Comparison 2
A Versatile Instrument - The Q Meter 4
Circuit Effects on Q :ojo 8
The Evolution of the BRC Q Meter 23

Applications: A Versatile Instrument - The Q Meter - 4

Check Your Q Readings by the ~ C Method - 4
Audio Frequency Measurements Using the Coupling
Unit Type 564A - 5
Measurement of Dielectric and Hi Q Capacitors
with the Q Meter - 8
A Standard for Q & L 12
Q Meter Techniques - - 13
Calibrating and Inductance Standard - - 15
The RX Meter or the Q Meter - 16

Service: The Q Standard - 1

Replacing the Thermocouple Assembly Type 565A
in the Q Meter Type 260A - 1
Q Meter Comparison (160A and 260A) 2
Check Your Q Readings by the ~C Method - 4
Calibration of the Internal Resonating Capacitor of
the Q Meter - 7
Correction of Low Q Reading on Q Meter Type 160A - 8
Frequency Calibration of Q Meter Type 260A - - - - - 10

Note: A Manual of Radio Frequency Measurements, containing

the basic measurement technique using Q Meters is available
from your -hp- Sales Office for $2.50.

oj;o Also includes "Correlation of 190A and 260A Q Meters on

overlapping Frequency Ranges.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

I TECHNICAL DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS

Data Sheets: 160A Q Meter. 5
260A Q Meter . 7
513A Q Standard 9
518A Q Standard 10
103A Inductors 10

II PERFORMANCE TESTING
h"

A. EQUIPMENT REQUIRED. 13
B. GENERAL OPERATION CHECKS 13
1. Zero Controls . 13
2. Oscillator. 13
3. Resonating Capacitor Check 14
4. Voltmeter. 14
C. TESTING SPECIFIED ACCURACIES. 15
1. Oscillator Frequency 15
2. Resonating Capacitor . 15
3. Q Measurement . 16

III TEST -AND CALIBRATION

A. EQUIPMENT REQUIRED. 19
B. OSCILLA TOR. ADJUSTMENTS 19
1. Mechanical . 19
2a. Frequency Calibration (260A) 19
2b. Frequency Calibration (160A) 20
C. R.ESONATING CAPACITOR CHECKS 23
L Backlash. 23
2. RF Contact Resistance. 23
D. RESONATING CAPACITOR CALIBRATION
AND ADJUSTMENT 24
1. Vernier Capacitor Calibration 24
2. Vernier Capacitor Adjustment 25
3. Main Capacitor Calibration and Adjustment. 26
E. Q VOLTMETER. 29
1. General . . 29
2. Main Q Scale 29
3. LO Q Scale (260A only) 30
4. ~Q Scale (260A only) . 30
F. OTHER. VOLTMETER. CHECKS 30
L Q Voltmeter Grid Current 30
2. Q Circuit ~Q. 31

1
SECTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE
I
III G. SIGNAL INJECTION SYSTEM
1. General . 32
2. Calibration . 32
H. OVERALL PERFORMANCE USING Q STANDARDS
1. General . 33
2. Troubleshooting 33

IV PARrS IDENTIFICATION AND SCHEMATICE?,

A. 160A
1. Electrical Parts . 36
2. Mechanical Parts 38
3. Schematic. 39
B. 260A
1. Mechanical Parts 41
2. Schematic. 43

V APPENDO£
A. NOTES ON Q STANDARDS (NBS Reprint) . 46
B. THE EVOLUTION OF THE BRC Q METER 47
C. THE NATURE OF Q and other articles
(BRC Notebook #1)
D. AUTHORIZED SALES AND SERVICE OFFICES
E. SERVICE NOTES - 160A AND 260A

LIST OF TABLES

II-I Comparison of 260A and 160A Markings. 12

II-2 Equipment Required for Performance Testing 12
III-l Equipment Required for Test and Calibration . 18
III-2 260A Oscillator Coil Location. 20
1II-3 A Convenient Guide to 160A Frequency Adjustments 22
1II-4 Sample Work Sheet for Capacitor Calibration. 27
III-5 Troubleshooting Chart using 513A and 518A-l Q Standards . 34

2
 SECTION 1

TECHNICAL DATA

AND

SPECIFICATIONS

3
 Q METER TYPE 160 A
frequency Range 50 KC-75 Me
OPE RAT ING 'p RINC IPLE
The symbol Q is commonly used to designate
the ratio of reactance to .esistance of a coil
(Q=2 1r fll R) or of a condenser (Q= 1/2 1r feR).
This factor is of fundamental significance in' cir-
cuit design, since it is a "figure of merit" of the
reactive elements. For example, the higher the value
of Q the greater the selectivity and the' amplifi-
cation of a stage in which the reactors are used.
The Q of a simple resonant ci~cuHmay be meas-
ured by impressing a known voltage in series in the
circuit and measuring the voltage across one of
the circuit reactances when the circuit is resonated
to the frequency of the impressed voltage. The
. ratio of the voltage across the reactance to the'
impressed voltage is the Q of the circuit. If the
impressed voltage is constant, the voltmeter may.
be calibrated directly in Q, and; if most of the cir-
cuit losses occur in the coil, the Q measured in this
way will be very closely the Q of the coil.
m
This method of measuring Q has been employed
in the Q-Meter because it is simple and accurate
and requires only a single operation - resonating
the circuit - to measure Q.
The Q-Meter contains (I) an r.f. oscillator, {2} a
measuring circuit consisting of main and vernier
tuning condensers which tune the external coil to
be measured, {3} a vacuum tube voltmeter of
special design which reads the voltage developed
across the tuning condenser and {4} a means for
introducing a known amount of the oscillator volt-
age in series in the measuring circuit.
The procedure in measuring Q consists of either
adjusting the oscillator to a predetermined fre-
, quency and i'uning the circuit under measureme~t
to resonance, or conversely of tuning the circuit
with ClI predetermined. capacitance and adjusting
the oscillator to resonance. At resonance, the volt-
meter indicai'es directly the Q of i'he' circuit.
 USES
The instruction book which accompanies each Q-Meter
describes in detail the many applications of this instru-
ment. A few of the more common uses are as follows:
•. Co' :;: Tho Q of QII typo. of coil, commonly \l ltd in
redio frequency circuits may be determined by simply con-
necting the coil to the terminals provided, resonating this
coil to the oscillator frequency and observing the Q as
indicated on the Q voltmeter. The effective inductance of
the coil may be determined directly from the decade induc-
tance scale on the dial of the Q tuning condenser. Coils may
be rapidly matched and- Q simultaneously observed.
A.F. Coi s: The Q and inductance af large inductance
coils such as are used in supersonic and AF circuits (down
to I kilocycle) may be measured. For this purpose provi-
sion has been made whereby the output of em external
oscillator (I kilocycle to 50 kilocycles) may be coupled into
the oscillator transmission line within the Q-Mete·r. The
same procedure as used with r.f. coils is employed.
SPECIFICA
Oscillator Frequency Range: Continuously variable from
50 kilocycles to 75 megacycles in eight self-contained ranges.
(In conjunction with an external oscillator the frequency range
of the Type 160-A Q-Meter may be extended from 50
kilocycles to I kilocycle for coil measurements.
Oscillator Frequency Accuracy: Generally better than
+ I %' except the 50-75 megacycle range which is approxi-
mately +3%.
Range of Q Measurements: The Q voltmeter is calibrated
directly in Q, 20-250. The "Multiply Q By" meter,which
measures the oscillator voltage injected in the Q measur-
ing circuit, is calibrated in tenths from x1 to x2 and also at
x2.5. The reading of the Q voltmeter scale is to be multi-
plied by the setting of the "Multiply Q By" meter. Hence,
the total range of circuit Q measurements is from 20 to
625. Condensers, dielectrics, etc., which are measured by
placing these in parallel with the measuring circuit, may
have Q's as high as 5000.
ccuracy of Q Measurements: The accuracy of the
direct reading measurement of circuit Q (for Q voltmeter
readings between Q=50 and Q=250) is approximately
5% for all frequencies up to the region of 30 megacycles,
and decreases with increasing frequency. Correction may
be made for the error above 30 megacycles as it is prin-
cipally a frequency effect. The accuracy of the measure-
ment of condensers, dielectrics, etc. is generally better than
10"/0 for Q's below 5,000 and up to 30 megacycles.
BOONTON RA D I 0 CORPORATION
Variable Condensers - Small Fixed Condensers: By
substituting the condenser under observation for a part of
the capacitance of the Q tuning condenser, the effect of
th test ¢otidenser \l pon th· circuit is directly indicated in
terms of a loss in Q. By a simple computation the Q (or
the power factor) of the test condenser may be deter-
mined. The change in setting of the Q tuning condenser is
a direct measure of the capacitance of the condenser under
test.
Insulating Materials - Dielectrics: For the measure-
ment of insulating materials, a specimen Condenser is
made by securing conducting surfaces on opposite sides of
a plate of the material. The same technique used in meas-
uring fixed condensers is employed.
Antennae: The effective series resistance, capaci-tance,
inductance and fundamental frequencies of small antennae-
may be determined over a wide frequency range.
10 S
Capacitance Calibration Range: Main Tuning condenser
30-450 mmf., calibrated in I mmf. divisions from 30 to 100
mmf, and in 5 mmf divisions from 100 to 450 mmf. Vernier
condenser, plus 3 mmf, zero, minus 3 mmf, calibrated in 0.1
mmf divisions.
Accuracy of Capacitance Calibration: Main tuning
condenser, generally better than I % or 1 mmf, whichever
is the greater. Vernier tuning condenser +0.1 mmf. The
internal inductance of the tuning condenser at the binding
posts is approximately .015 !J.hy.
Voltmeter: The Q Voltmeter is also calibrated in volts.
A specially calibrated tube, type BRC 105A tube, is used.
Power Supply: 105-120 volts, 50.60 cycles. Also 210-240
vol;s, 50-60 cycles. Power consumption 50 watts.
Tubes: The instrument is supplied complete with the follow-
ing tubes:
I Type BRC 102-A*
I Type BRC 105-A*
I Type 5W4
I Mazda 47
• Specially selected_
Dimensions: Height 12.5", length 20", depth 8.5".
Weight: 25 Ibs.
• BOONTON, N. J. , U.S.A.
 Q METER TYPE 2&O-A
Frequency Range 50 KC to 50 Me
Description
The Q Meter was first designed and introduced in 1934
as a means of measuring the Q or "Figure of Merit" of
coils. Improved models and broadened applications have
kept pace with a rapidly growing industry, and the Q
Meter is recognized as a flexible general purpose device
with a large number of uses. The Q Meter consists of a
self-contained, continuously variable, stable oscillator,
whose controlled and measured Output is applied in
series with a series-tuned, resonant circuit. A vacuum
tube voltmeter with high Output impedance is con-
nected across the internal variable capacitor portion of
the tuned circuit to measure the reactive voltage in
terms of circuit Q. The coil portion of the tuned circuit
is connected externally and represents the unknown to
be measured. By inserting low impedances in series with
the coil or high impedances in parallel with the capaci-
tor, the parameters of unknown circuits or components
can be measured in terms of their effect on the circuit
Q and resonant frequency. Because of the high quality
components used in the manufacture of the Q Meter,
BOONTON RADIO
COMPANY
A Division of Hewlett-Packard Company
TELEPHONE: 201-627-6400 • TWX: 201-627-3912 • CABLE ADDRESS: BOONRACO
FSN 6625-537-5699
coupled with a design engineered to minimize unwanted
inherent residuals, the instrument is extremely sensitive.
Features
As a result of our studies, field information and sugges-
tions received from our custsomers, we have incorpo-
rated in our present Q Meters those modifications and
additions which it was felt would increase the usefulness
of the instrument.
1. "Lo Q" Scale. Direct reading expanded scale permits
the measurement of Q down to 10.
2. "6 Q Scale." Also direct reading expanded scale to
permit the reading of very small changes in Q resulting
from the variation of test circuit parameters.
3. Thermocouple Protection. The Type 260-A utilizes a
rugged thermocouple operating at 1/2 rated power, and
the output of the oscillator is adjusted at the factory to
avoid overload. Both of these features guard against
accidental thermocouple overload.
GREEN POND ROAD
ROCKAWAY, NEW JERSEY 07866
Precision Electronic Instruments since 1934
4. Power Supply Regulation. Through the use of an Band Ranges:50 - 120 Ke. 1.7 - 4. Mc.
internal regulating transformer and an electronically 120 - 300 Ke. 4.2 -10 Mc.
regulated power supply, the operation of the instruments 300 - 700 Ke. 10 - 23 Me.
is not affected by normal power line voltage fluctuations. 700 - 1700 Ke. 23 - 50 Me.
5. Teflon insulation has been provided for the terminals RF ACCURACY: ± 1% approximately.
of the 260-A, providing mechanical stability and low RF CALIBRATION: Increments of approximately 1%.
electrical loss. The oscillator output is controlled by
varying the screen grid voltage of the oscillator tube to Q Measurement Characteristics
obtain smooth operation as well as good waveshape. A Q RANGE: Total Range: 10 to 625
0.02 ohm annular insertion resistor is used to improve Low Range: 10 to 60
Q meter accuracy. Provision is made for the use of an 6. Range: 0 to 50
external oscillator to supply the Q Meter through a
matching transformer (Type 564-A) to provide opera- Q ACCURACY: ± 5%· 50 Ke. to 30 Mc.
tion below 50 ke. down to 1000 cycles per second. A ± 10%· 30 Me. to 50 Me.
scale is also provided to read inductance directly at ·For circuit Q of 250 read direct!'
selected frequencies. on indicating meter.
6. Meter scales with mirror reflectors are used to elim- Q CALIBRATION:
inate error due to parallax. Main Scale: Increments of 5 from 40 to 250
7. The instrument has been designed to minimize in- Low Scale: Increments of 1 from 10 to 60
6. Scale: Increments of 1 from 0 to 50
ternal residual inductance and resistance.
XQ Scale: Increments of 0.1 from 1 to 1.5
8. The thermocouple as well as all tubes can be replaced Increments of 0.5 from 1.5 to 2.5
by the customer without returning the instrument to
the factory. Inductance Measurement Characteristics
l RANGE:
Uses 0.09 /-th to 130 mh (effective inductance).·
·Direct reading at six specific frequencies.
Coils: Circuit Q is read directly from a parallax-free
l ACCURACY: ± 3%·
meter. From the measurements made on coils, the dis-
·For resonating capacitance >100 pf and inductance
tributed capacitance, effective inductance, and self-
>5/-th.
resonant frequency can be determined.
Resolating Capacitor Characteristics
Capacitors: Capacitance from 0.1 pf to 100 K pf, and
Q from 10 to 10,000 can be evaluated from measure- CAPACITOR RANGE:
ments made on the Q Meter with and without the com- Main: 30 to 460 pf
ponent connected. The self-resonant frequency of ca- Vernier: -3.0 to +3.0 pf
pacitors can be determined ·within the range of the CAPACITOR ACCURACY:
instrument. Main: ± 1% or 1 pf whichever is greater
Vernier: ±0.1 pf
Resistors: The effective rf resistance, inductance Oi
capacitance, and Q of resistors over a wide range can CAPACITOR CALIBRATION:
be determined. Main: 1 pf increments 30 to 100 pf
5 pf increments 100 to 460 pf
IF and RF Transformers: Measurements can be made Vernier: 0.1 pf increments
of effective impedance, Q, coefficient of coupling, mu-
tual inductance, and frequency response. Accessories
FURNISHED: None
Dielectrics: The Q Meters measure dielectric constant
and dissipation factor, power factor, ete., of various AVAilABLE: Type 103-A InductOrs
grades of insulating materials and ceramics, including Type 513/518A Q Standards
very low loss types. Samples with foils applied can be Type 564-A Coupling Unit
measured in a Hartshorn-Ward type of holder, or Tube Complement 1 - 535-A
mounted directly on the 0 Meter using a simple flat 1-0A2 1-5763
ground plate and connecting clip. Liquids held in a 1-0B2 1-6X4
suitable container can also be measured.
Mechanical Characteristics
Miscellaneous: The resistance, reactance, Q, and impe-
dance of miscellaneous passive circuits, networks, filters, MOUNTING: Sloping front cabinet, for bench use.
ete., can be determined with dc bias voltages applied if FINISH: Gray wrinkle, engraved panel (Other finishes
desired. Measurements can be made of antennas and available on special order).
coupling networks. Transmission line parameters neces- DIMENSIONS: Height: 12-1/2" (31.7 cm)
sary to compute characteristic impedance, attenuation, Width: 20" (50.8 em)
and velocity of propagation can be evaluated. Depth: 8-1/2" (21.6 cm)
WEIGHT:
Specifications Net: 401bs. (18 kg); Gross Export: 981bs. (44.2 kg);
Gross Domestic: 55 Ibs. (24.8 kg); Legal Export:
Radio Frequency Characteristics 50 Ibs. (22.7 kg).
RF RANGE: Power Requirements
Total Range: 50 Kc. to 50 Me. 260-A: 95-130 Volts, 60 Cps, 65 Watts
1 Ke. to 50 Ke.· 260-AP: 95-130 Volts, 50 Cps., 65 Watts
·With external oscillator
No. Bands: 8 Price: 260-A: $990.00 260-AP: $990.00

9·63
 Q-STANDARDS TYPES 513-A & 518-A
INDUCTORS TYPE 103-A

0.5 MC-l.5 MC
Type 513-A
1.5 MC-4.5 MC
Type 518-A3
5 MC-15 MC
Type 518-A2
15 MC-45 MC
Type 518-Al
50 KC-150 KC
Type 518-A5
150 KC-450 KC
Type 518-A4

Type 513-A Nominal Values for Type 513-A

l - 250 ",h Cd - 8 pf
The Q-Standard Type 513-A is a shielded reference
inductor which has accurately-measured and highly- 0.5 me 1.0 me 1.5 me
stable inductance and Q characteristics. Specifically de- 190 250 220
signed for use with Q-Meters Type 260-A and 160-A, Q. 183 234 200
the Q-Standard is particularly useful as a check on the
overall operation and accuracy of these instruments, as Actual values of all these quantities are marked on the name
plate of the Q-Standard.
well as for providing precisely-known supplementary
With the unit in the Q-circuit, approximate resonant frequen.
Q-circuit inductance desirable for many impedance cies of 500, 1000 and 1500 kc are obtained with tuning
measurements by the parallel method. The Q-Standard capacitance of 400, 100 and 50pf, respectively.
consists of a specially-designed, high-Q coil of Litz wire,
wound on a low-loss Steatite form. The coil is her-
metically sealed inside a copper shield can which is
filled with an inert gas under pressure. The desired
Q-versus-frequency characteristics are provided by a Temperature Coefficients:
carbon film resistor shunted across the coil. Two re- l and Cd - Negligible
placeable banana plug connectors mounted on the base Qe - freq. %6Qeff/ of
serve to connect the unit to the Q-meter circuit. The
Q-Standard is supplied in a convenient wooden carrying 0.5 me -0.128
and storage case. Each unit is individually calibrated 1.0 -0.083
and marked with its true inductance (L), distributed 1.5 -0.042
capacity (C.), and effective Q (Qe) and indicated Q
(Q.) at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mc, respectively. Tolerance: Overall Q-Standard Dimensions:
3" (7.6 cm) diam. x 4-1/2" (11.4 cm) h. (approx.)
L ±1%-C. ±2ro-Qe ±3% measured at 73°F. Q; is
an average Q-Meter reading. Any instrument deviating NetWeight (includingcase): 28 oz. (1 kg) (approx.)
more than ± 7 % from the marked value is not operat-
ing in accordance with original specifications. Price: Type 513-A: $97.00 ea.

BOONTON RADIO GREEN POND ROAD

COMPANY ROCKAWAY, NEW JERSEY 07866
A Division 01 Hewlett-Packard Company Precision Electronic Instruments since 1934

TELEPHONE: 201-627-6400 • TWX: 201-627-3912 CABLE ADDRESS: BOONRACO

 Types 518-A1 10 518-A5 518-A1 518-A2 518-A3 518-A4 518-A5
INDUCTANCE 0.25p.h 2.5p.h 25 uh 2.5 mh 25 mh
Supplementing the Q-Standard Type 5i3-A, BRC has
designed five additional Q-Standards Type 5i8-A. Simi- Low Freq. Data:
lar in construction and performance to the 513-A, these Frequency 15 MC 5 MC 1.5 MC 150 KC 50 KC
Standards, in conjunction with the 513-A, provide fre- Resonating C 420 pf 395 pf 440 pf 440 pf 400 pf
quency coverage from 50 KC to 50 MC - the entire Indicated Q 175 195 175 170 90
range of Q-Meter Type 260-A. The units are useful as Middle Freq. Data:
precision inductors and as a fast, convenient method for Frequency 30 MC 10 MC 3 MC 300 KC 100 KC
checking the overall operating accuracy of Q Meters. Resonating C 100 pf 95 pf 105 pf 100 pf 85 pf
~ach model is supplied in a convenient wooden carry- Indicated Q 235 235 225 180 130
lllg and storage case and is individually calibrated and High Freq. Data:
marked with its indicated Q and resonating capacitance
Frequency 45 MC 15 MC 4.5 MC 450 KC 150 KC
( C) at each of three (3) discrete frequency points.
Resonating C 40 pf 40 pf 45 pf 40 pf 35 pf
"Indicated Q" is an average Q-Meter reading - any in-
Indicated Q 225 205 230 135 125
strument deviating from the marked value by more than
(Table shows nominal values)
±8% from 50 KC to 30 MC, increasing to ±13% at
50 ~.C, ~s not opera~ing in accordance with original
speCIfIcations. Resonating capacitance accuracy: ±0.5 % Price: Type 518-A: $97.00 ea.
±0.5 pf. Set of five Type 518-A and one 513-A: $525.00

300

9-63 200
~
".. ....... ~
Q

TYPE 103-A 100

•
50 100 200 400
TUNING CAPACITANCE - pf

Illustrating construction, also relationship between Q and tuning capacitance tor typical inductor

These inductors are designed specifically for use in the Each Type 103-A Inductor consists of a high Q coil
Q circuit of the Type i60-A and 260-A Q-Meters, for mounted in a convenient shield and provided with plug
measuring the radio-frequency characteristics of capaci- terminals which plug directly into the coil terminals of
tors, including materials, resistors, etc. the Q-Meter to facilitate the quick interchange of induc-
tors for measu.rements at various frequencies.
Indue- Afcprox. resonant frequency A Capac;
Type or tuning capacitance of: PP~ox. tanee
tance 400pf 100pf 50pf pf Complete shielding eliminates errors in measurement
due to coupling between the inductor and the test com-
103-Al 1 poh 8 16 20 me 180 6
ponem and again with nearby objects, which coupling
103-A2 2.5 poh 5 10 14 me 200 6
might alter the Q circuit constants during a measure-
103-AS 5 poh 3.5 7 10 me 200 6
memo Perfect shielding provides the desired stability.
103-A11 10 poh 2.5 5 7 me 200 6
103-A12 25 poh 1.5 3 4.5mc 200 6 The Q of the majority of the Type 103-A Inductors is
103-A15 50 poh 1.1 2.2 3 me 200 6 in the region of 200, over the normal range of tuning
capacitance of from 50 to 400 pica-farads. The ap-
103-A21 100 p.h 800 1600 2000 ke 200 6 proximate variation in Q with tuning capacitance of
103-A22 250 poh 500 1000 1400 ke 200 6 a typical 103-A Inductor is shown in the above curve.
103-A25 500 poh 350 700 1000 ke 170 7 A few of the higher inductance inductors have a Q of
103-A31 1 mh 250 500 700 ke 170 7 less than 200. The approximate Q of each inductor
103-A32 2.5 mh 150 300 450 ke 170 8 is listed.
103-A35 5 mh 110 220 300 ke 160 8
103-A41 10 mh 80 160 200 kc 140 9 The true inductance of types Ai through A42 is ad-
103-A42 25 mh 50 100 140 ke 110 9 justed to within 2 per cem of their nominal value.
Tolerance on other coils is slightly wider. The total
100 pf 35 pf distributed capacitance varies as indicated.
103-A50 0.5 poh 20 mc 35 me 225 5.5 For convenience in selecting the correct inductance, the
103-A51 0.25 poh 30 mc 50 mc 225 5.5 approximate frequencies at which each inductor reSo-
103-AS2 0.1 poh 45 mc 75 me 225 3.5 nates with two or three different tuning capacitances
lS included in the list at the left.

Price: $17.75 each. Set of 16 Inductors for 26G-A: $255.00 Set of 17 Inductors for 16G-A: $270.00
 SECTION II

PERFORMANCE TESTING

11
 Table II-l. Comparison of 260A and 160A Markings

260A Panel Engraving

and Text Des ignation 160A Marking

XQ COARSE None (Item 1, See page 38)

XQ FINE None Item 29, See page 38)

NOTE: Not included on early 160A's

Q ZERO ADJUST None (Item 20, See page 38)

CIRCUIT Q METER Q

MULTIPLY Q BY MULTIPLY Q BY

Table II-2. Equipment Required for Performance Testing

Ref. Required
Instrument Model Required For Characterist ics
Para.

Audio Oscillator -hp- 200CD Capacitor Check B3 20 KC at 5 V RMS

BRC 513A or Voltmeter Check

Q Standards 518A Series Q Check B4 Accurate Q.
1

Standard Variable Gen'l Radio Capacitor Calibration C2 35-115pf±0.03% or±O.Olpf

Capacitor 1722 DP 100 - 600pf±0. 03% or±O. 1pf
*
Shielded 2. 5 mh
Shielded Inductor BRC 103A-32 Capacitor Calibration C2 Q Approx. 170

Oscillator and resonance

Q Meter BRC 260A Capacitor Calibration C2
indicator

Crystal Calibrator Ferris 33 Frequency Calib ation C1 50 KC to 75 mc, accuracy

or better than O. 01 %

Electronic Counter -hp-5245L

with *,l..
Amplifier -hp-461A preamplifier for 20 mv RMS
and sensitivity of counter

Plug in -hp-5251A Only needed for 160A

,'( Depending on testing accuracy required, substitution may be made.

Refer to Paragraph C-2 on page 15 for details.
*,'( Requirements are listed for testing both 160A and 260A Q-Meters.
For testing only 260A's use the 5245L and a 5261A video amplifier.

12
 SECTION II

PERFORMANCE TESTING

The following performance check is intended as an in-cabinet check of the 260A and 160A
Q Meters to verify proper performance. Access to internal test points is not necessary as
part of the procedure. The tests can be used for incoming quality control and routine pre-
ventive maintenance checks.

Subsection B gives preliminary chekcs as an indication of the operation of the instrument.

Subsection C presents procedures for testing specified accuracies of the Q Meter.

The following procedures refer to controls and front panel engraving on the 260A Q Meter.
For equivalent markings on the 160A, refer to Table II-I.

A. EgUIPMENT REQUIRED

Test equipment used in the performance testing of the 260A Q Meters is given
in Table II-2. This table lists the type of equipment to be used, the critical
specifications required for testing, and recommended commercially available
test equipment.

B. gENERAL OPERATION CHECKS

Instrument should be ON and in operation a few minutes.

1. Z;~ro Controls
(a) Short HI and GND posts together
(b) On the 260A only: Adjust Q ZERO ADJUST for no movements of
the CmCUIT Q Meter when the front panel lever switch is alter-
nately depressed and released from the LOW Q position.
(c) The meter should read zero, exactly, if the meter mechanical
zero is correct.

On the 160A: Omit b) and (c). Instead, adjust zero knob

(item 20, page 38) for a zero reading on the Q Meter.

2. Oscillato,F - To see that the RF oscillator is oscillating and has sufficient

output over its entire frequency range, proceed as follows:

(a) Place the oscillator range on 50-120 KC. (50-150 KC on the 160A).
Rotate XQ FINE control fully clockwise. Early 160A's did not have
a fine control).

13
 (b) Advance the XQ COARSE control until the MULTIPLY Q BY Meter
indicates 2. O. Rotate the frequency control through the entire range
of the band and set the frequency to that point in the band where the
MULTIPLY Q BY deflection is least.
NOTE: The performance of the Q Meter is not specified beyond the
band edges as defined by the panel engraving (260A) or printing on the
fiducial (160A), even though calibration marks may extend beyond the
band limits.
(c) Advance the XQ COARSE control slowly and check that it is possible to
get a MULTIPLY Q BY deflection at least X 1. O.
(d) Rotate the XQ COARSE control fully counter-clockwise (without actuating
the power switch) before changing ranges. This is a normal operating
precaution to prevent thermocouple damage.

(e) Repeat (b), (c), and (d) on each frequency range.

3. Resonating Capacitor Check - To determine that no obvious malfunction, such

as shorted capacitor plates, exists at some particular dial setting, proceed as
follows:
(a) Connect an audio oscillator (-hp- 200CD or equivalent) between the HI
and GND posts. Set the frequency to approximately 20 KC, output voltage
for near full deflection on the CIRCUIT Q Meter.
(b) Rotate the main Q capacitor and vernier capacitor through their entire
range. A shorted plate would cause the meter indication to drop to zero.
(c) Remove audio oscillator.

4. Q Voltmeter - To check the voltmeter functions, proceed as follows:

(a) Connect a 513A, 518A-3, A4, or A5, Q Standard across the COIL terminals
and, using normal Q Meter technqiues, see that the coil resonates.
Omit steps (b), (c), and (d) for the 160A.
(b) With a resonance peak, as indicated on the CIRCUIT Q Meter, adjust
the XQ COARSE and XQ FINE controls for a CIRCUIT Q Meter reading
of 60. Check peak. Depress the lever key to the LOW Q position. Repeak.
Note that the CIRCUIT Q Meter now indicates 60 on the LOW Q scale.
(Meter tracking inac uracies will normally prevent an indication of exactly
60).
(c) Adjust the XQ controls for a MULTIPLY Q BY indication near 1. O. Raise
the lever key to the ~Q position and adjust the ~Q BALANCE controls for
a CIRCUIT Q Meter indication of zero on the ~Q scale. The scale on the
skirt of the ~Q COARSE control should approximately agree with the
CIRCUIT Q reading when the lever key is released.
(d) Check for smooth meter operation when the ~Q BALANCE controls are
varied.

14
•
C. TESTING SPECIFIED ACCURACIES

1. Oscillator Frequency
(a) Connect a crystal calibrator between the LO and GND terminals
(20 mv is available when XQ = 1.0). Maintain the MULTIPLY Q BY
Meter deflection within a few percent of 1. 0 since there is a slight shift
of oscillator frequency at other XQ settings.
(b) Check frequency at convenient increments across each frequency range.
SPECIFICATIONS; :1: 1% of the dial setting (260A)
± 2% of the dial setting below 50 mc and
± 5% of the dial setting above 50 mc (160A)

NOTE: More than 1/2 VRMS is available at the 160A phone jack on the
cabinet top or at the 260A thermocouple block by installing a
BNC Tee (remove the access door). However, ANY connection
will seriously affect the frequency calibration at the higher
frequencies.
Frequency calibration with an electronic counter connected to the
oscillator output should be restricted to frequencies below 1 mc.
Above this frequency, connection should be made only between LO
and GND posts. An amplifier, such as the -hp- 461A may be
used as a preamplifier for an electronic counter.

2. Resonating Capacitor

The internal resonating capacitor, Items 19 and 20 on the 160A schematic (page 39)
or C201 in the 260A, is used to adjust the capacitance across the circuit under
test to resonate it at the measurement frequency.

The calibration method described in this Manual is based on substitution of a

known amount of capacitance from a precision capacitor for an indicated amount
of capacitance in the Q Meter, using a resonant circuit and a second Q Meter as
an indicator. Calibration is done at a relatively low frequency with respect to
the operating range of the instrument in order to prevent stray inductance effects.

To avoid repetition, the complete procedure including the adjustment technique

will be found in Section III D "Resonating Capacitor Adjustments".

Where only a check on the resonating capacitance calibration is desired, the 513A
or 518A series Q-Standards may be used. The capacitance required to resonate
the 513A may be calculated from nameplate information. (For details refer to
APPENDIX C, page 5, of BRC Notebook #1 or the Applications Instructions for
Q Standard Type 513A). The nameplate information on the 518A series Q-Standards
includes the resonating capacitance required for three frequencies. The values
given are accurate to ± 0.5% or ± 0.5 pf, whichever is greater. The frequency of
the oscillator should set accurately with an external standard to eliminate
frequency error.

15
3. Circuit Q Measurement Accuracy.

The specified accuracy of the 260A is :±: 5% to 30 me, ± 10% from 30 me to 50 me

for a circuit Q of 250 read directly on the indicating meter (when XQ = 1. O. )
Circuit Q is the indicated Q on the 260A which includes the measuring circuit
losses as well as the effects of the residual circuit parameters. (These are
completely discussed in the 260A Manual).

The 160A accuracy is specified as approximately ± 5% for all frequencies up to

the region of 30 me for circuit Q values between 50 and 250 (when XQ = 1. O. )

Boonton manufactures Q-Standards for the purpose of checking the overall per-
formance of BRC Q Meters. The nameplate on the standards gives the indicated
Q (Qi) for the coil when measured on a properly functioning Q Meter. A data
sheet containing Q -Standard information is included in Section I of this manual.
Additional information may be found in Appendix A where a "Note on Q -Standards"
is reprinted from an NBS publication.

For the purpose of verifying the accuracy of Q readings, it should be sufficient

for the 260A to indicate the Q-Standard indicated Q (Qi) within :1:: 7% when using
the Type 513A Inductor, or ± 8% with the 518A types (± 13% above 30 me). Set
the MULTIPLY Q BY Meter to 1.0 for these checks.

Allow a warm-up time of 1/2 hour or more for the 160A, 2-1/2 hours or more
for the 260A.

Corrections must be applied to the 160A Q readings when using the 518A type
coils. Refer to BRC Notebook number 8 or the Applications Instructions
accompanying a 518A coil. No corrections are required when the 513A
Q-Standard is used.

The number of Q -Standards to be used for verifying Q - Meter performance and

accuracy will depend upon the users requirements. Where there is no need for
extensive checking through the entire frequency range, two Q-Standards, the
513A and 518A-1, are the recommended minimum for normal overall per-
formance checks.

Refer to Section III, H1 and 2 for details of their application.

16
 SECTION III

TEST AND CALIBRATION

17
 Table III-1. Equipment Required for Test and Calibration
Ref. Required
Instrument Model Required For Para Characteristics

Crystal Calibrator Ferris 33 Frequency Calibration B2 50 KC to 75 MC

Accuracy better than O. 01 %
or
Electronic Counter -hp- 5245L See footnote marked
on page 12.
with
Plug In -hp-5251A (To extend range to 75 mc for
160A calibration
and
Amplifier -hp- 461A Preamplifier for 20 mv RMS
Sensitivity

Shielded Inductor BRC103A-32 Capacitor Calibration D1 Shielded 2. 5 mh Q~170

Q Meter BRC 260A Capacitor Calibration D1 Oscillator and Resonance

Indicator
Q Circuit ~Q Check F2

Standard Variable Gen'I Radio Capacitor Calibration D1 35-115pf 0.03% or ± 0.01 pf

Capacitor 1422 DP 100 - 600pf ± .03% or O.lpf
(with special calibration chart)

Shielded Inductor 103A-22 Backlash Check C1 250 Jlh shielded

Q Circuit ~Q Check Q~200

Shielded Inductor 103A-51 RF Contact Resistance C2 0.25 Jlh shielded, Q 225

Audio Oscillator -hp-200CD Voltmeter Calibration E1 10 V RMS at 100 KC

Precision Gertsch
Attenuator RT Voltmeter Calibration E1 Accurate Division to 0.2 V
Ratio Tran
2 ea. 1 Jlfd.
-hp- Part
200 V W DC Low Voltmeter Calibration E1 1 . 0 Jlf ± 10% 200 W V DC
0170-0073
Loss Capacitors Polystyrene dielect ic

Q Standards BRC 513A Overall performance H1 Accurate Qi

or 518A
series

VTVM -hp-400H Signal Injection G2 Calibrate at measurement

-hp-400L Calibration frequency with -hp-738A, 739A

18
 SECTION III

TEST AND CALIBRATION

17
 SECTIO III

TEST AND CALIBRATION..

A. EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

Test equipment used in the test and calibration of the 260A and 160A Q Meters is
given in Table III-I. This table lists the type of equipment to be used, the critical
specifications required for testing, and commercially available test equipment.

B. OSCILLATOR ADJUSTMENTS

1. Mechanical

(a) When the tuning capacitor plates are at the full mesh stop, the line on
the upper half of the fiducial should coincide with the end line below the
low frequency ranges. The line on the lower half of the fiducial should
coincide with the end line below the low end of the high frequency ranges.
(b) Check for free operation of the friction drive and that no contact is made
with the fiducial.
(c) The range switch contact clips and both sets of shorting arm contact
clips should be checked to make certain that each of the two sides of
each clip deflect outward when coil cradle contact pin entry is made
on each range. Only the tip of the clip should contact the pins.

(d) Oxidized contacts usually cause erratic MULTIPLY Q BY meter

indications. It is recommended that the contacts be cleaned with fine
abrasive and lubricated with BEACON 325 grease (an Esso product) or
equivalent.

2a. Frequency Calibration 260A)

The general conditions outlined in Section IT, paragraph C-1 apply.

Each frequency range has two calibration adjustments; a threaded magnetic

core to calibrate the low frequency of the range, and a trimmer capacitor to
set the high frequency end. An additional trimmer, C129, i.s shunted across
the oscillator tube to compensate for tube variations when replacement be-
comes necessary. C129 is normally set to mid-range before a complete
calibration is made.

Usually a small readjustment of C129 is all that is necessary after replacing

the oscillator tube.

19
 The coils for the eight ranges are wound on four coil forms mounted in
cradles on a turret, each coil form being used for two ranges. The threaded
magnetic cores to adjust coil inductance are turned into each end of the form
and fastened with Q-MAX when the oscillator is tested as the factory. Because
of the physical arrangement of the coils, four bands cannot be conveniently
adjusted without removing the oscillator assembly from the front panel. This
exposes the cores and allows them to be loosened with acetone so adjustment
can be made. CAUTION: Do not use GLYPTAL Thinner to loosen the cores.
Coils (and corresponding cores) are identified on the end frame of the turret
by the letters "B" (for back) and "F" (for front) with the band number. The
high end adjusting capacitors are also identified by numbers.

Table II-2 shows the range, band number and location on the turret

Table 111-2. 260A Oscillator Coil Location

Band Freq Range Coil Location
1 50 - 120 KC Front
2 120 -·300 KC Front
3 300 - 700 KC Back
4 700 - 1700 KC Front
5 1.7 - 4.2 MC Back
6 4.2-10MC Front
7 10 - 23 MC Back
8 23 - 50 MC Back

To provide for tracking adjustment, the outer rotor plates of the tuning capa-
citors are slotted. Any adjustment required should be minor. For tracking of
the 10 - 23 MC and 23 - 53 MC ranges, adjust the 13 plate section. For ranges
300 - 700 KC, 700 - 1700 KC, 1. 7 - 4.2 MC, 4.2 - 10 MC, adjust the 25 plate
section. It is suggested that tracking be done on bands 4 and 8. Small readjust-
ments may be necessary to bring the other bands within specifications.

2b. Frequency Calibration (160A)

The general conditions outlines in Section II, Paragraph C-1 apply.

The oscillator is tuned-grid, tickler feedback circuit. There are no metallic

cores or trimmer capacitors on all the coils to make the necessary adjustments
for frequency calibration. Adjustment is made by changing coil locations or turns.

In general, the removal of grid turns from the coil group lowers the self inductance
of the grid coil and its distributed capacitance. The total effect is to raise the
frequency for a given setting of the dial, with a greater change occuring at the lower
frequency end of the band.

20
Removal of plate turns, or an increase in plate to grid coil spacing decreases
the mutual inductance between the plate and grid windings and the frequency
will be raised for a given dial setting. The change will be more pronounced
at the high frequency end of the band.

Refer to Table ill-3 for a convenient guide to 160A frequency adjustments.

The table gives the necessary adjustments to RAISE the frequency for a given
Capacitor setting. The opposite adjustments are made to lower the frequency.

Metallic flaps are provided on both sections of the oscillator tuning capacitor.
Their adjustment will affect the minimum capacitance and consequently the high
frequency end of the ranges.

The outer rotor plates of the oscillator tuning capacitor are slotted to provide
minor adjustments of the frequency dial tracking. Any adjustment necessary
should not allow rotor to stator spacing of less than 0.008".

The oscillator output voltage is adjusted by changing the output coil position on
each range except the 25-50 me range, where a loop inside the coil form is
adjusted. There is no adjustment on the 50-75 me range. On any range, the
frequency and output voltage adjustments interact. Thus, if any adjustments
are made, both frequency calibration and output voltage must be checked.

NOTE: Some of the frequency ranges have dial calibrations extending

beyond the limits shown on the fiducials. The specifications do
not apply to the portions of the dial marking beyond the limits
marked on the fiducials.

SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency - ± 2% below 50 me, ± 5% above 50 me.

Output Voltage - Sufficient to produce a MULTIPLY Q BY

meter deflection of at least L 0 at all frequencies.

21
 Table III-3. A Convenient Guide to 160A Frequency Adjustments

Adjustment Necessary to RAISE the Frequency

for a Given Tuning Capacitor Setting
Frequency Range
and GRID COIL . PLATE COIL

Band Number General shift at all frequen- Pronounced change at high end of
cies slightly more at the low band
end of band

50 - 150 KC Remove turns Remove turns

1

Plate turns cannot be removed.

150 - 450 KC Remove Turns
Instead, mutual inductance is
2 lowered by pushing grid coil to-
ward end of plate coil.

450 - 1500 KC
3
1 - - - - - - - - - - 0 1 Shift turns from large Push plate winding off grid
section over to section winding
1.5-4.5MC
having fewer turns
4

4.5 - 12 MC
5
t - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - - - - - I..
Push plate wire crossing inside of
12 - 25 MC tube toward cradle side of coil
6 form. This tends to make the half
Same as Band ~i - 5
turns double back on the outs ide
turns and reduces it.s self induc-
tance.
Push grid wire crossing
25 - 50 MC away from cradle side of Spread part of an outs ide turn
7 coil form. This tends to slightly.
make the half turn double
back on the outside turns.

50 - 75 MC No adjustment No adjustment
8

22
C. RESONATING CAPACITOR CHECKS

Before calibration of the resonating capacitor is begun, it is suggested that backlash

and RF contact resistance be checked. Repair work may alter the calibration.

1. Backlash
(a) Connect a 103A-22 Inductor (or equivalent) to the COIL terminals. Set
the frequency range to 300-700 KC (260A) or 450-1500 KC (160A), and
the resonating capacitor vernier at zero.
(b) Approach 450 pf on the main capacitor dial from a CCW direction and
stop at 450 pf with no overshoot. Resonate the coil with the frequency
dial (coarse tuning) and vernier capacitor (fine tuning). Note vernier
reading.
(c) Approach 450 pf from the opposite direction, stopping at 450 pf with no
overshoot. Re-resonate with the vernier capacitor only. Subtract
readings.
(d) If backlash (.6.C) is greater than. 7 pf there is mechanical trouble in the
resonating capacitor.
(e) Check backlash at 250 pf for less than 0.4 pf and also at 70 pf for less
than O. 3 pf, changing the oscillator frequency to establish resonance as
in 1 (b) above.

2. RF Contact Resistance
RF Contact Resistance at the ends of the rotor shaft or at the disc and fingers
connected to the top plate will cause erratic Q readings and interfere with
establishing a resonance peale To check for this condition, proceed as follows.
(a) Connect a 103A-51 coil (or equivalent) to the COIL terminals.
(b) Set the resonating capacitor to 100 pf, the frequency to the 23-50 mc
range (25-50 mc on the 160A) and resonate the coil with the frequency
dial.
(c) Set the MULTIPLY Q BY reading to 1. 1. Detune the circuit to the low C
side and using the main C dial friction drive, retune slowly. Note the
Q reading.

(d) Offset to the High C side and again retune, noting the Q reading.
(e) The readings noted in (c) and (d) should be equal. The retuning from an
off resonance condition should result in a smooth rise in Q reading.
(f) Repeat at 200 pf and 400 pf using the 10-23 mc oscillator range (12-25
mc on the 160A) for these settings.

23
D. RESONATING CAPACITOR CALIBRATION AND ADJUSTMENT

In the following procedure the Q Meter to be calibrated will be referred to as

No.1, the indicator 260A as No, 2. (The 160A Q Meter is not recommended as
the indicator because of the difficulty in obtaining adequate definition of the peak
of resonance in the procedure, )

1. Vernier Capacitor Calibration

The vernier capacitor is difficult to adjust because of its precise accuracy

specification. The calibration technique differs from the recommended
adjusting technique so they are treated separately. Calibration is made with
reference to the O. 0 pf dial reading. The adjustment starts with the -3. 0 pf
dial reading as a reference, To calibrate the vernier proceed as follows:

(a) Refer to Figure III-1 for physical placement of the units. Turn on
No.2. (No. 1 remains OFF) Connect a 103A-32 coil to the No. 2 coil
terminal. Connect LOW range of the precision capacitor to the HI and
GND terminals of No. 2 through a short piece of coaxial cable. Set
the internal capacitor of No. 2 to minimum capacitance.

Coaxial Cable
#18 Solid Copper Wire
103A32

[9 [9
t:::) t::)
\1 \J 0 \l \J 0
0 0 0 0
OD 0 On 0
[9 0 0 [9 0 0

0 OO@ 0 0 OO@ 0
260A No.2 (Indicator) Q Meter No.1 (Under Test)
160A or 260A

24
 (b) Connect the ground and low range terminals of the precision capacitor
to the GND and HI CAP terminals, respectively, of Q Meter No. 1.
(HI COND terminals if No.1 's a 160A

(c) Set the precision capacitor t a convenient point in its range (100.00 pf,
for example). Call this dial reading Do' Set the vernier capacitor of
No. 1 to O. 0 pf.

(d) Resonate the coil with the frequency dial of Q Meter No. 2 (coarse) and
the vernier capacitor (fine). Raise the lever key and adjust the .6.Q
BALANCE controls for an on-scale indication on the CIRCUIT Q Meter.
Repeak the circuit with the lever switch in the .6.Q position. This method
increases the sensitivity of the indicator 5 times and allows more
accurate adjustment of resonance. The XQ reading need not be main-
tained at Xl. 0 but can be somewhat lower.

(e) Adjust the vernier of No.1 to 1. 0 pf and re-resonate with the precision
capacitor, lifting the lever switch to the .6.Q position to refine the peak.
Record the precision capacitor dial reading as D-1.

(f) Calculate .6.C in the following manner. Consult the calibration chart
supplied by the manufacturer of the precision capacitor, calling eo
the correction at Do, e-1, the correction at D-1' Then

C D + e, C = D +e
o 0 0 -1 -1 -1

where Co and C-1 are the corl'ected capacitances at dial readings Do

and D-1 respectively.

Then C-l - Co = .6.C, the change in capacity, which should be 1. 0 pf

± 0.1 pf.

(g) Set the vernier of No. 1 to -2. 0 pf and re-resonate with the precision
capacitor, calling the dial reading of the precision capacitor D._ 2 .
Calculate C-2 Co whi h should be 2.0 pf ± 0.1 pf.

(h) Continue the calibration of -3. 0, + 2. 0 pf.

2. Vernier Capacitor Adjustm nt

The same equipment setup in the preceding secti n is used, except the vernier
to be adjusted is set at -3. 0 pf and the precision capacitor corrections are not
used.

(a) Set the precision capacitor to a convenient reading (100. 00, for example.
Set the vernier of No. 1 to 3. 0 pf and resonate the circuit with frequency
(coarse) and No. 2 vernier (fine).

25
 (b) Remove exactly 1. 0 from the precision capacitor dial. (The time
required to make the adjustments can be minimized by not using the
dial corrections and adjusting the vernier plates as accurately as
possible in the fr Howing steps).

(c) Resonate with No.1 vernier. If the vernier dial does not read -2.0 very
closely, bend rdates as necessary, checking the reference at -3. 0 pf as
often as it is found necessary.

(d) Remove another 1. 0 pf from the precision capacitor and repeak with
No. 1 vernier, which should read - 1. 0 pf and -1. 0 pf. If not, bend plates
to bring the resonance as close to -'1.0 as possible.

(e) Recheck -3.0 pf reference and -2.0 pf and -1. 0 pf readings again.
Bending of the slotted sections can affect the previous adjustments
slightly.

(f) Continue adjusting the other cardinal points on the vernier. Try to keep
the dial errors on one side.

(g) Now calibrate the vernier capacitor by following section 1A above.

3. Main Capacitor Calibration and Adjustment

(a) Connect the equipment as in Section 1A (a) above. Connect a wire between
the precision capacitor ground and Q Meter No. 1 GND terminal.

(b) Suspend another No. 19 AWG copper wire (solid) from the low range ter-
minal on the precision capacitor to a point in air 3/8" above the HI CAP
terminal on Q Meter No.1. The tip of this suspended lead must be
straight, without hooks or loops, and must point down to the terminal.
Isolate this lead from surrounding objects.

(c) Set the precision capacitor to the high end of the low range. Record the
dial reading as Do' Set the main capacitor of No.1 to 30.0 pf, approaching
the point in a clockwise direction without overshoot. Set No. 1 vernier
capacitor to O. 0 pf.

(d)· Resonate the circuit with Q Meter No.2 frequency (coarse) and vernier
capacitor (fine). Use the .6.Q function to improve the peak as described
in 1A (d) above.

(e) Touch the suspended wire to the HI CAP terminal with the least movement
of the wire. Re -resonate the coil with the precision capacitor. Note the
dial readings as D1'

26
 (f) Calculate the Q Meter capacitance at this setting: Determine the
precision capacitor corrections, eo for Do' e1 for D1 · Then Co = Do + eo
C1 = D1 + e1' The true capacitance corresponding to a dial reading of
30 pf is equal to Co - C1 + 0.15pf. (The Q voltmeter adds 0.15 pf when
the Q Meter is energized for normal operation.) If the capacitance is not
30 ± 1 pf, adjust the minimum C adjustment vane. (See Fig. III-2.)

MINIMUM C
TAB

LOCKING
SCREW

Figure III-2. Location of Minimum C Adjustment Vane

(g) Continue calibration at 40 and 60 pf, bending plates as necessary.

Always set the dial from a clockwise direction to eliminate backlash.
Note: A convenient calibration table can be drawn to make computations
quickly. See Table III -4 for a sample calibration.

Table III -4. Sample Work Sheet for Capacitor Calibration

Precision
Difference
MMFD Cap. Correction Corrected + .015 = Actual
from
Dial Dial C, pf
Ref.

Ref
D

115.0 (Do) -.05 (eo) 114.95

-
30 84.82 (D1 ) +.01(e o ) 84.83 30.12 30.27
40 74.50 -.02 74.48 40.47 40.62
60 54.95 -.03 54.92 60.03 60.18
(etc)

27
(h) The low range of the precision capacitor can be used to calibrate up to
80 pf on the dial so the high range must be used to continue the calibration.
Switch the wires to the high range and set the precision capacitor or dial
for at least 600 pf. Establish a resonance condition with No. 1 HI CAP
terminal disconnected as in step (b) above. Call the precision capacitor
dial reading Do again.

(i) Connect the suspended wire to the HI CAP terminal, set the main capa-
citor of No. 1 to 100 pf (clockwise approach), and re-resonate with the
precision capacitor.

(j) Continue the calibration at dial settings 150, 200, 300, 400, and 450 pf,
adjusting the slotted rotor plates as necessary to meet the specifications
of ± 1 % or ± 1 pf whichever is larger.

(k) Enter the reference and new dial readings on the previously prepared
table to simplify computations.

28
E. Q VOLTMETER

1. Qeneral

The voltmeter circuit is adequately bypassed for the frequencies generated by

the Q Meter. Because the frequency response falls off below 20 kc (7 kc on the
160A), calibration should be done above this frequency unless additional by-
passing is temporarily added to the voltmeter circuit to extend the low frequency
response.

The addition of 1 /lfd capacitors from the Q voltmeter tube plate and cathode pins
to ground will extend the low frequency response below 1 kc. Any accurate,
variable, low distortion source of 1 l{C can then be used for calibration. An
-hp-200CD oscillator, -hp-400H VTVM (for monitoring the oscillator output),
and a Gertsch RT-10 RATIOTRAN have been used successfully.

If bypass ing is not added, it is necessary to use a higher frequency and a VTVM
accurately calibrated at the frequency to be used (100 kc is recommended). The
special calibration is required from 0.2 to 5V RMS for the 260A calibration,
1 to 5V RMS for the 160A.

The following general precautions should b~ taken when setting up the equipment.

The resonating capacit or should be at minimum C to reduce shunt loading of the

source.

The external resistance across the HI and GND posts should be 3 megohms or
less to reduce gas current effects in the voltmeter tube. (This precaution
should be taken if substitute calibration equipment is used. )

Only one instrument should be grounded through the power attachment plug to
eliminate ground loops.

2. Main Q Scale

(a) After 1/2 hour warmup, turn off the power and wait 2 minutes for the
filter capacitors to discharge and the Q voltmeter tube cathode to cool.
Adjust the meter movement mechanical zero. Turn power back on.

(b) Allow the Q Meter to return to stable operation.

On the 160A: With the power supply HI-La switch on HI, oscillator
at 1 me and XQ at 1. 0, adjust the electrical zero while shorting the
HI and La posts.

On the 260A: Short the HI and GND posts and adjust the Q ZERO ADJUST
control for no deflection of the CIRCUIT Q meter when the front panel
lever switch is alternately depressed and released. The meter should
read exactly zero. Remove short.

29
 (c) Apply 4.0 V RMS between HI and GND posts.
On the 160Aj Adjust VTVM calibration control, item 31 (see 160A
Mechanical Parts) for a reading of 200 exactly. (early
160A's did not have a calibration control. The voltmeter
is checked to a tolerance of ± 5 Q. )
On the 260A: Adjust R310 for a reading of, 200 exactly.

(d) Apply 5.0 V, 3.0 V, 2.0 V, and 1.0 V RMS successively and check meter
tracking. The meter should read 250, 150, 100, and 50, respectively,
within 2% of full scale ( ± 5 Q).

3. LO Q Seal e (260A Only)

(a) Apply 1.0 V RMS between HI and GND posts. Adjust R308 for a LO Q
reading of 50.

(b) Apply successively 1.2, 0.8, 0.6, 0.4, and 0.2 V. The meter should read
60, 40, 30, 20, and 10, respectively, ± 2.5% of full scale (± 1.5 Q on the
LO Q scale).

4. ~Q Scale (260A Only)

(a) Apply 3.0 V RMS between HI and GND terminals. Adjust ~Q BALANCE
controls for a ~Q scale reading of 50.

(b) Increase input to 4.0 V. Adjust R305 for a ~Q scale reading of 0 (full scale).

(c) Repeat (a) and (b) until no further adjustment is necessary.

(d) Check voltmeter linearity by applying 1. 0 V, balancing the ~Q BALANCE

controls for a 50 reading (on the LO Q scale) and increasing the input to
2.0 V. The meter should deflect 49 divisions ± 2 on the ~Q scale. (Give
a reading of 1 ± 2 Q)

(e) Repeat (d) for 2.0 - 3.0 V and 4.0 - 5.0 V. The meter should deflect
50 divisions ± 2. (give a reading of 0 ± 2 Q)

(f) Apply 4. 0 V and adjust ~Q balance controls for full scale. The engraved
skirt on the ~Q BALANCE coarse knob should indicate 200. If not, loosen
the setscrews and slip the knob as necessary"

F. OTHER VOLTMETER CHECKS

1. Q Voltmeter Grid Current

(a) Allow at least 1 hour warmup.

(b) Short the HI and GND terminals and electrically zero the Q Meter. Remove
the short.

,30
 (c) The Q Meter should indicate less than 60 Q. If not, the Q Voltmeter tube
has excessive grid current and should be replaced.

2. Q Circuit ~Q

This check is principally a troubleshooting technique to verify that the external

circuit under measurement is not shunted by losses in the terminals, resonating
capacitor assembly, or voltmeter tube. It need not be made if the Q Meter
agrees with Q Standard nameplate information, particularly at low resonating
capacities and high Q readings.

(a) Place the Q Meter to be tested to the rear of another Q Meter, separated
by 3" with both instruments facing the operator. Attach thefoil to the
front Q Meter. Apply power to both Q Meters. 103A-22

(b) Interconnect the GND terminals of the two instruments. Suspend a length
of solid #18 wire from the front Q Meter HI CAP terminal so the free end
points directly down and is 1" removed from the HI CAP (HI COND on the
160A) terminal on the rear of Q Meter.

(c) Preset controls as follows

Front Q Meter: Frequency 1000 KC approx. Resonating capacitor

70 pf.

Rear Q Meter: (being tested)

Resonating capacitor set to 30 pf. (If the instrument
is a 160A, also set the oscillator to 1200 KC, XQ= 1.2,
this is to place normal load on the unregulated power
supply).

(d) Resonate the coil with the frequency control of the front Q Meter. Measure
the Q of the coil (call it Ql). If the front Q Meter is a 260A, balance the
LlQ BALANCE for full scale (~Q = 0).

(e) Connect the suspended wire to the HI terminal of the rear Q Meter.
Re-resonate the circuit with the capacitor of the front Q Meter, calling
the Q reading Q2' Determine Ql - Q 2 (or L\Q). The amount of ~Q
indicates the additional losses introduced into the Q measurement by the
connection of the second Q circuit. LlQ's in excess of 15 should be inves-
tigated by repeating the measurement with the power off and the Q .voltmeter
tube grid connection removed. If the new ~Q is significantly lower than
before, the voltmeter tube should be replaced. If not, major circuit losses
occur in the terminal post insulation, Q capacitor stator insulators or in'
the grid resistor of the voltmeter tube.

31
G. SIGNAL INJECTION SYSTEM

1. General

The BRC 260A and 160A Q Meters use the resonant rise method of
Q measurement, where, if Q ~ 10 , ~ = Q (See Appendix B and C).
E is the voltage measured by the e Q voltmeter (5 V full scale) and
e is the voltage developed across the injection resistor in the thermocouple
assembly.

In the 260A, approximately 1 amp flows through the thermocouple at XQ = 1. 0,

developing 20 MV across an annular (low inductance) 0.02 Q resistor. In the
160A, approximately 0.5 amp flows through a 0.04 Q strip resistor when XQ = 1. O.

To minimize errors in the injection system, it is necessary to consider the

thermocouple and MULTIPLY Q BY meter as a matched combination. The
calibration and scale tracking tolerances on the meter movement and the
shape of the thermocouple output vs input current characteristics all combine
to form poor calibration accuracy unless the two components are matched.
For this reason, it is necessary to furnish the instrument serial number when
ordering replacement thermocouples or XQ meters. A replacement can then
be selected and calibrated to match the original as closely as possible. Ultimate
accuracy would be achieved by returning the meter to the factory when ordering
a thermocouple so the two can be checked together.

The calibration of the injection system may be done in the field with an
accurately calibrated -hp- 400H or 400L VTVM. The Q Meter oscillator
provides the power to the thermocouple. A frequency is chosen where low
oscillator distortion reduces the waveform errors in the calibration.

The factory calibration method uses DC to power the thermocouple and DC

standard meters to measure the characteristics of the thermocouple assembly.
The resultant accuracy is better than the method suggested above, but involves
the use of costly instruments that may not be readily available for field
cal ibration.

2. Calibration

(a) Allow 2-1/2 hours of warmup for the 260A. The injection resistor has a
positive temperature coefficient, requiring calibration at operating
temperature.

Allow 1/2 hour warmup for the 160A. The injection resistor temperature
coefficient is very low - the time is required for oscillator stabilization.

(b) Set the oscillator to the low end of band 2 or 3. (120 KC or 300 KC on the
160A, 150 KC or 450 KC on the 260A). Connect the VTVM between the
LO and GND posts. Avoid ground loops through the power line.

32
 (c) Increase oscillator output until XQ meter indicates 1.0. The VTVM
should read 20.0 MV ± 1 %, not including frequency and scale errors in
the VTVM.

If the injection voltage is not correct, adjust the value of the calibrating
resistors on the 260A thermocouple assembly (only one is used on the
160A - connected at the XQ meter terminal).

A + 1 Q change in calibrating resistance results in a + 1/2% change in

inj ection voltage, approximately.

The calibrating resistors in the 260A form part of an RF filter network.

it is advisable to keep the difference between them less than 5 Q. The
::resistor values should always be more than 10 Q.

Note: The 260A should be allowed to return to operating temperature

after the cabinet is opened to effect a resistor change.

(d) Check the XQ meter linearity by reducing the oscillator output until the
meter reads X2. O. The VTVM should read 10.0 MV ± 4% (260A) or
± 5% (160A). If the error is greater, (not including VTVM errors) the
meter and thermocouple are no longer matched~

(e) If necessary, check the injection at XQ readings of 1. 2, 1.5, and 2.5.

The millivolt readings should be 16.67 ± 3%
13.33 ± 3%
and 8.00 ± 6% (260A)
or ± 7% (160A), respectively.

(all tolerances do not include VTVM errors)

H. OVERALL PERFORMANCE USING Q STANDARDS

1. General

The Q of standard inductors should be measured on the Q meter. Details have

already been presented in Section II C-3 (page 16). The readings may also be
checked using the ~C technique. For further details consult BRC Notebook 4.

2. . Troubleshooting

Six Q-Standards are available from BRC. Two of these will provide for normal
overall checking. (The types 513A and 518A-l) One coil checks the low frequency
performance around 1 MC, the other the high frequency performance to 45 mc.
These two coils are very effective troubleshooting aids as illustrated by
Table ID-S.

33
 Table III-5. Troubleshooting Chart using 513A and 518A-1 Q Standards
Allow a warmup period of 1/2 hour for 160A, 2-1/2 hours for 260A

Trouble Indication Possible Cause

General increase in Q indications (compared) Thermocouple assembly injection resistor

with Q Standard label date) as frequency is has become inductive
increased.
Indicated Q is higher with higher XQ settings Q voltmeter tube non -linearity

Measurements taken with 513A Q -Standard

(Qi tolerance:!:.. 7% of value on label)
0.5 mc 1. 0 mc 1. 5 mc
\
high Qi high Qi high Qi
low Qi low Qi low Qi XQ or Q voltmeter calibration

Q voltmeter tube input conductance too

Qi in spec Qi in spec lowQi
high. (shows up at low C setting because
tank impedance is high. )

Qi in spec low Qi Qi in spec On 260A only. Suspect Q Voltmeter tube

(High Q reading with a high Z tank imped-
ance shows grid circuit clipping)

Measurements taken with 518A-1 Q Standard:

(Qi tolerance ± 8% up to 30 mc, ± 13% mc to 50 mc)
15 mc 30 mc 45 mc
high Qi high Qi high Qi
XQ or Q voltmeter calibration
low Qi low Qi low Qi

low Qi Qi in spec Qi in spec Worn or tarnished terminals, dirt in Q

capacitor or poor plate spacing. (There
are high circulating currents at high C
settings)

Qi in spec Qi in spec lowQi Insulation losses, contamination of insul-

ators, dirt in Q capacitor, Q voltmeter
tube.

Qi in spec low Qi Qi in spec On 260A only. Suspect Q voltmeter tube

(with Q 249 signal voltage is near maxi-
mum. Clipping in grid circuit shows up. )

518A-1 nameplate data must be corrected when used with a 160A.

Refer to "Application Instructions for the Q Standard Type 518A"
supplied with the 518 series Q standards.

34
 SECTION IV

PARTS IDENTIFICATION

AND

SCHEMATICS

35
 2. Electrical Parts
OSCIllA'O'" UN"

,
I' _-J - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -,
,
,
I

I J1/
,
I ~_L-_-+_+---.

i.

"-- - --- ---::----1

. 1.
,,
I
- - --- - - - - - - - - --- - - - -- - _.- --- -- --- - - --
160A Schematic

Item Description Part Number

1 Resistor, fixed, WW, 1 K Q ± 5%, 4W BRC 80145
2 Resistor, fixed, WW, 200 Q ± 5%, 10 W BRC 80107
3 Resistor, fixed, compo , 82 K Q ± 5%, 2W -hp- 0692-8235
(two in parallel) replaces original 40 K
4 Resistor, fixed, WW, 2.4 K Q ± 5%, 10 W BRC 80286
5 Resistor, fixed, WW, 750 Q ± 5%, 10 W BRC 80140
6 Resistor, fixed, WW, 200 Q ± 5%, 1W BRC 80103
7 Resistor, var. , WW, 8 K Q 50 W with switch BRC 81335
8 Resistor, var., WW, 200 Q ± 10%, 2W -hp- 2100-0844
9 Resistor, fixed, comp. , 24 K Q. ±~5%, '1 W' -hp-0689. -2435
10 Resistor, fixed, WW, 22 K Q ± 1%, 1/2 W -hp- 0811-0292
11 Resistor, fixed, film, 100 M Q ± 15%, 1 W -hp- 0732-0001
12,12a Resistor, fixed, part of thermocouple not separately replaceable
13 Resistor, fixed, compo , 27 K Q ± 5%, 2W -hp- 0692-2735, 2 in parallel
14,15 Capacitor, var. , air (Oscillator Tuning) BRC 84701
16 Capacitor, fixed, mica, 100 pf ± 5% -hp- 0160-0789
17 Capacitor, fixed, mica, 3000 pf ± 5% BRC 82321
18 Capacitor, fixed, mica, 5100 pf ± 5% BRC 82333
19,20 Capacitor, var. , air, special BRC 84067
21,22 See mechanical parts, Items 7, 8
23 Capacitor, fixed, electrolytic, 3 X 10 ILf/450V -hp- 0180-0250

36
Item Description Part Number
24,25,26 Oscillator Coils
27 Choke, filter, 10h, 80 rna/de -hp- 91l 0-0094
28 Transformer, power BRC 85006
29 Switch, toggle, DPDT -hp- 3101-0005
30 Switch, part of item 7
31 Lamp, incandescent, #47 -hp- 2140-0009
32 Contacts, switch, oscillator range BRC 60067 short
(3 types used) BRC 60137 long
BRC 302019 bent
33 Turret assembly, oscillator
34 Meter, MULTIPLY Q BY BRC 92015R - exchange only
Supply serial of 160A
35 Thermocouple Assembly BRC 165A - supply serial
of 160A
36 Filter Assembly, consisting of:
2 ea. Resistor, fixed, WW, 20 n ± 2%, 1/2 W BRC 80016
2 ea. Capacitor, fixed, mica, 1000 pf ± 5% -hp-0140- 0018
37 Meter, CmCUIT Q BRC 92012R - exchange only
38 Tube, oscillator BRC 536A - selected 45,
(was BRC 102A)
39 Tube, Q Voltmeter BRC 535B - selected 1659
(535A may be used also)
40 Tube, rectifier, 5Y3 -hp- 1930-0010
41 Resistor, fixed, compo , 1 K Q ± 5%, 1W -hp-0689-1025
42 Resistor, fixed, WW, 0.3 Q special BRC 80709
43 Resistor, fixed, WW, value selected at factory BRC 80015, included with type
165A thermocouple assy. *
44 Resistor, fixed, WW, 100 Q ± 5%, 1W BRC 80064
45 Capacitor, fixed, paper, O.l/lf, 400V BRC 83001
46,47 Cable, shielded part of thermocouple asBY.
48 Jack, phone, single circuit BRC 89038
49 Resistor, variable, WW, 3 K Q ± 10%, 4W -hp- 2100-0848
50 Resistor, variable, WW, 1 K Q ± 5%, 4W BRC 81109
51 Switch, same as item 29
55 Fuse, 1-1/2 amp, 3AG BRC 93250
56 Choke assembly, rf, special BRC 60929
57 Choke, 1.07/lh, special BRC 300098

* 80015 is the BRC part number for a family of resistors. The

ohmic value must also be specified. Values are available from
8 Q to 63 n.

37
 1 0
1.

20 2 I 2t
22 U 14

-
Item
1
Description
Knob
BRC Part No.
300648
2 Meter, MULTIPLY Q BY 92015R exchange only
3 Frequency Dial & Knob Assy. 60077
4 Fiducial (KC) 60005
Fiducial (MC) 60006
5 Range Switch Knob Assy. 60076
6 Capacitor Dial & Knob Assy. 60132
(L-C Dial conversion kit for early 160A's) 560A
7,8 Terminal nut 60081
complete binding post Assy. 60086
9 Meter, circuit Q 92012R exchange only
10 Vernier Capacitor Dial & Knob Assy. 60075
11,12 Q Capacitor 84067
13 Q Voltmeter Tube 535B selected
14 Thermocouple 165A *
15 Oscillator Turret 301107
16 Oscillator Tuning Capacitor 84701
17 Oscillator Tube 536A selected 45
18,19 part of thermocouple
20 VTVM Zero Adjust Knob 87003
21 Rectivier 5Y3
22 ON/OFF Switch, part of Output Control. not separately available
23 Pilot Lamp, #4 7 90904 (-hp-2140-0009)
24 HI- LO Toggle Switch 88059
26 Thermocouple Filter Unit 60065
27 Jack 98038
29 Output Vernier Knob 87002
30 115/230 Switch 88059
31 VTVM Calibration Control· 81210
32 Frequency Reference Plate 93726
Vernier Knobs (2) 87003
Vernier Disc Assy 301422
Fiducial for Q Capacitor 60722
* Serial number of 160A requir,ed when ordering replacements.

38
 Q UNIT
,-----OSCILLUORUNIT-----i
LO eND

I rO ~
I 50- 150 KC
RANGE ONLY
82K

82K 100Y 536A I COIL COND -::T

5358
(105A) _.... 260V
1. 0051

I ~- C;,;,,;AP~~----": ~
I
10 pf
_-e:::>--...--1,.I~IO~O~P·f--t'~\...-~-
r...-
'\1 r-- )
-- (l02A)

. I
Hf?
....._--4,..;H,;,.:.I..... ...........
\
. 3.0V"JC
I~
)
.

I ; ~ 2.2 I 100M 1.099: 2.5 VAC

~
~~
1.~ ~
}~ ~
VAC -- I H\'"'
H(-4
.3

I ~ 1.07uh ,:~ X

I I .00' ;" ! THERMOCOUPLE

.1 ""..'"

0- Q

I - .-o--e>-t1 1 ~_ ~"L - ---'1 \0 CALlB.\ 27K

_-...;,+-e I -
i..
:::~.003:::~D03
r, -

1 _&& :::!.Ol L _\ 3K ~

~,- ~ :~LTER I
@
I .:. '00 ,.
1
1 04 "0;7 ! .-
25K

I ~ : ~ f!'OW2~i~1
r-... L_--_~·____::~~- -- J XQ

o
__

I ...... ~.o I : I

L - - - - - - - - - - - - - r - - - 1d ~
X •••
(SpIC.)
_T·
I
.....-------------------1
POWER SUPPLY'
-
-yyy"'
IK
10h

HI
I 2500
25K

t --· ~
~
~

H.-
5Y3
15 ..
,
+

. 8K
NOTES:

CAPACITANCE VALUES IN MICROFARADS

], ~.
LOW ~ 3K

· ~
<t- IK ICOARSEI

Iill2J
UNLESS OTHERWIS~ NOTED.

V
~ IFINEI
~
RESISTOR VALUES IN OHMS.
230 ~

t ·• ~
~ 750
200
VOLTAGE READINGS ARE WITH OSCILLATOR
AT 800 KC. xo- 1.0. HIGH- LOW
115 • SWITCH ON HIGH A NO 115 VAC UNE.

r ~ ~
x

SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM - I6 0 A
 MECHANICAL PARTS
260A

Old
Description BRC Stock No. New -hp- No.
I

OSCILLATOR UNIT PARTS

Tube Shelf Assy 301688 00260-60006
Tube Shield 301684 1220-0047
Contact Spring Bracket Assy 301644 00260-60007
Plug - 6 prong 301749 1251-0407
Cable Clamp 93247 1400-0187

Thermocouple Cable Assy 301693 00260-60009

Ground Strip Assy 301410 00260-60043
Connector strip Assy 301409 00260-60010
Contact, straight (part of 301409) 60139 00250-00040
Contact, bent 45 0 (part of 301409) 302019 00250-00048
Turret Shaft 301417 00260-20002
Retaining Ring for 3/8 Shaft 301673 0510-0244
Washer, Spring 13/16 OD, for 3/8 Shaft 301674 3050-0316
Detent Arm Assy 301387 00260-60012
Vernier Shaft Assy 301422 00260-60013
Osc Dial Assy with Spring Fingers 301619 00260-60014
Fiducial, Oscillator 301384 00260-20004
Retaining Ring for 5/16 shaft 301671 0510-0243
Washer, Spring 7/15 OD, for 5/16 shaft 301424 00260-00001
Shield, top 301398 002 0-000 2
Shield, bottom 301385 00260-00003
Turret, Complete Assy 301690 00260 -60011
Detent Plate (part of 301690) 301393 00260-60005
Felt Washer, 2" OD, I" hole 302152 00250-00046
Coil and Cradle Assy, ranges 1 & 8 301729 00260-6001 7
Coil and Cradle Assy, ranges 2 & 3 301721 00260-60018
Coil and Cradle Assy, ranges 4 & 5 301735 00260-60019
Coil and Cradle Assy, ranges 6 & 7 301733 00260-60020
Core, powdered iron, ranges 1,2,3,4,5,6 301731 9170-0122
Core, powdered iron, ranges 7 & 8 (coded blue) 302481 9170-0121

POWER SUPPLY PARTS

Strain relief (used on Serials before 3381 approx. ) 94014 none
Power Cord (used on Serials before 3381 approx. ) 01019 none
Power Receptacle, 3 prong (used on Serials above 308087 1251-0148
3380 approx. )
Power cord (used on serials above 3380 approx. ) 308086 8120-0078

41
 Old
Description BRC Stock No. New -hp- No.

Q UNIT PARTS
_ _ _ ., "'...... n=c:;.·~4'.'-_

Complete assembly, tube shelf & terminals 301883 00260-60033

Q Capacitor only 301752 00260-60021
Tube Bracket Assy 301503 00260-60034
Bindi g Post & Plate Assy 301882 00260-60035
Binding Post Top Nut, Gold plated 60081 00260-20012

CABINET PARTS
~~_-.....-.....-=

Front Panel Assy 301904 00260-60001

Fidu ial, vernier 301569 00260-20042
Fiducial, Main C Dial 301570 00260-20043
Bushing, eccentric 301315 00260-20011
Vernier Shaft Assy 301647 00260-60038

Pilot light - red 303387 1450-0099

Dial, .6.Q Balance Assy 301903 00260- 60039
Knobs .6.Q Balance Vernier Coarse 306575 0370-0024
Freq Vernier 306579 0370-0028
Main C Dial Vernier 306579 0370-0028
Q Zero Adjust 306579 0370-0028
Vernier C Knob 306579 0370-0028

XQ Fine 306579 0370-0028

XQ Coarse 306579-1 0370-0029
Main C Dial 306588 0370-0038
Freq Coarse 306588-2 0370-0044
Osc. Range 306598 0370-0049
Fuse Holder 306511 1400-0084
Rubber foot (8 ) 94025 0403-0045
Rear Ground Post Assy 300735 00260-60003
Jones Plug, 4 prong 301756 00190-20005

NOTE: 27 different kinds of Black Oxide coated hardware used on Boonton Instruments
is available under the Stock Number W9115. The assortment is contained in an EQUIPTO
If Little Gem" cabinet, and contains approximately 100 each of each kind. A complete
description of the contents of the kit is available from any -hp- service facil ity.

42
 -------------------------l
I Q CIRCUIT VOLTMETER CIRCUIT
I RIOI
LO

I 1000 C 301

:J::O.I)J f

I
I RI03
8

RI08

I 3300
I
RANGE-1
I 50-120 KC

I
I I
I 8 2
I B r---R203 1
I " I ~~~ I
I RANGE -8 I RAN&L_-- - - - - - - - - - - - . J \ o M J ' I I - - - - - - - .
.-l- .;n~rl
2
23-50 MC 120-300 KC I
I 'y Y Ip201 I J201 - I
I ISOK
~~:2.....
10-23 MC \
I OSCILLATOR \
TURRET r 2~E-3
300-700 KC I I
o

II .
3)J\.. I
C 20WJ )-If

I 8 7
>-- A 8
I
II
IIL-----~
II
MULTIPLY Q BY

I RANG~ ~
I R~GE-4
4.2 -10 MC 700-1700 KCr-- ~
I
II
II
THERMOCOUPLE UNIT
T.e.201

I / I " I II
II
I I I II
I 8 I I II
RANGE-S B
II O:LUGS ON TERMINAL STRIP

I R 116
10K
1.7-4.2 MC
RII7
68K r II
II
.---,
I I II
II I
I
r fl~~~~~~~jJ
6 BLK, RED

I OSCILLATOR UNIT
I 5
I
BLK ISOV

r - - - - - II
--
L--------::::1 8
-'I I II I
I
8
I I I I
INSET *.1.
L II I
I II ,-=:!J 2
I
I
II SiOZ
lJo
''II R
RI22
C12S1
1.8-8.6
I
I

'I I 33

I IIf
RI24

470
CI~500
I IISV I
CI28
.... ~~T~

I,"
40K
R1211O.lllf ==
I NOTES
I VR401
220
~
CI3~SOO 4

= CAPACITANCE IN UUf UNLESS

I 260AP
II CJ3ili
... 1500
OTHERWISE Nonn
RESISTANCE IN OHMS.
2
IN
VR 401
VOLTAGE OUT
K: ',000 OHMS. STABILIZER o-4---.J
I II el34=t!soo
3

IL .. M: 1,000,000 OHMS.
I VOLTA<:F£ STABILIZER
'WIRING- FoR 'l5-/JOV So~ oR t'lO- 260v S'o- /ltPlIr - - - - ---J POWER SUPPLY tlNPIiT
'15'-130V,,0- CZ,o,A)
I 5-402 SHOWN IN /'lO-Z .. OVPOS. I CSEE '''SET tic I F"OR 260 AP)

L:'R~/~ R~Cf.~R401 '0- ~

W401
SECTION V

APPENDIX

4"5
APPENDIX A. Note on Q Standards

Q standards are most frequently employed as a means of checking the performance of

Q meters. They are inductors which, in some cases, have been shunted by a high res is-
tance in order to achieve a broader Q vs frequency characteristic. Their values are
determ ined, at the, factory, with a Q meter which serves as a standard for all other instru-
ments of that particular tyPe. Q standards, in addition to serving as transfer standards for
instrument comparison, may be used as supplementary inductors to increase the measure-
ment capabilities of the Q meter. They also may be employed as l! shelf II standards and
used in conjunction with other circuitry for a wide variety of measurement applications.

The value of resonating capacitance and indicated Q for a coil, as given by the manufacturer
is the value which should be observed on a properly functioning Q meter. However, .!illL
value given for indicated Q is the ratio of reactance to resistance of the entire circuit which
includes the coil as well as the measuring circuit of the Q meter. On the other hand, the
effective value of Q reported by NBS is the ratio of reactance to resistance of the coil in the
absence of the measuring circuit of the Q Meter. The difference between indicated and
effective value is caused by the residual parameters of the Q meter circuit and includes
both series resistance and seri.es inductance. Beginning at about 5 megacycles this differ-
ence becomes increasingly more pronounced as the frequency increases and may reach 100
percent in Q and 10 percent in resonating capacitance at 50 megacycles. If all of the resi-
dual characteristics of the Q meter circuit were known then it would be possible to correct
the indicated value and arrive at the proper effective value. This, of course, would require
extensive calibration of the Q meter.

Tn order to perform a complete calibration of a particular Q meter the instrument in

question would have to be submitted along with a set of Q standards, so that the oscillator,
the thermocouple circuit, the voltmeter, the insertion resistor, and the resonating capa-
citor could be calibrated. This would not only be expensive, but would provide NBS with a
workload which it is not prepared to handle with presently exist~ng facilities,

Tn the measurement of a complex impedance the real and imaginary parts are physically
inseparable and hence each must be measured in the presence of the other. Therefore,
all impedance measuring devices must measure impedance either in the form of R ± JX or
zLQ. rather than R or X individually, and correspondingly the accuracy of the measurement
~nust be in terms of the total impedance. In the case of a component which has a phase
angle near either 00 or 90°, the major component will have nearly the same accuracy as
that of the total impedance, but a simple analysis will show that the minor component may
vary widely without appreciably affecting this accuracy. In the measurement of Q then, it
may be said that for a given accuracy of total impedance, the accuracy to which Q may be
determined decreases as Q increases. Other complications, such as contact resistance
and the lack of a connector with a definable plane of reference, contribute still other uncer-
tainties particularly jlt the higher frequencies. For these reasons, no statements of
accuracy are given at present for NBS Q standard calibrations.

Reprinted from NBS

46

The Evolution of the BRC Q Meter
LAWRENCE O. COOK, Quality Control Engineer
Q is defined as 2... times the ratio of
energy stored to the energy dissipated
per cycle.1,2 In electronics, the concept
of Q is commonly used to designate the
ratio of series reactance to series resist-
ance of a coil (Q = 2... fL/R) or of a
capacitor (Q = ;/z ... fCR). While these
and other relationships involving Q
have been used in radio and electrical
engineering for a great many years, the
expression Q and its numerical value
did not come into popular usage until
early in the 1930's, during the time
when the broadcast receiver industry
was growing at a fast' pace and a rapid
means for measuring Q was sorely
needed. Seeking to fulfill this need, the
founders of Boonton Radio Corporation
demonstrated the first Q Meter at the
IRE Meeting in Rochester, N. Y. late
in 1934.
Fundamental Q Meter Circuit
The early model Q Meter employed
the "voltage step-up" (also known as
"resonance rise") method of Q measure-
ment still used in current models. A
simplified schematic of the fundamental
circuit is shown in Figure 1. The Q of
a resonant circuit, comprising a capac-
itor (Cq ) contained in the Q Meter and
an external coil (Lx), is measured by
impressing a known voltage (E i ) in
series in the circuit and measuring the
voltage (Eq) across the capacitor when
the circuit is resonated to the frequency
of the impressed voltage. Q of the cir-
cuit is the ratio Eq/E i . With Ei known,
the voltmeter (Eq ) may be calibrated
directly in Q and, because the circuit
losses occur mostly in the coil, the Q
indication obtained closely represents
the Q of the coil. By inserting low
impedances in series with the coil or
high impedances in parallel with the
capacitor, the constants of unknown
circuits or components may be measured
in terms of their effect on the original
circuit Q and tuning capacitance.
Basic Design Problems
Though the fundamental Q measure-
ment method just described is extremely
simple, the achievement of accurate re-
sults over a wide range of frequencies
requires the solution of several basic
problems.
1. The injection voltage system must
be frequency insensitive.
2. Stray coupling occurring between
the oscillator (including the injection
system) and the Q measuring circuit
must be reduced to a negligible value.
Ri Q circuit injection resistor
(lOO·A and 160-A, 0.04 ohm;
260-A, 0.02 ohm)
Li Self inductance of Ri
Ei Injection voltage and meter for same
C.t Stray capacitive coupling
L.t Stray inductive coupling
L, Coil under test
Figure I. Q Mete, Fundamental Circuit -
3. The Q measuring circuit residual
inductance and series and shunt resis-
tive losses must be minimized. Included
are input circuit losses in the VTVM
which measures the voltage across the
resonating capacitor.
4. The oscillator waveform must be
relatively free of harmonics.
These factors have been strenuously
dealt with in Q Meter design and, over
a period of many years, much progress
has been made which benefits the user
in terms of improved accuracy. Some of
the results of this progress, in the LF
and lower VHF range of frequencies,
will be shown in the remaining para-
graphs which trace the development of
the Q Meter from the first model
marketed, the Type 100-A, to a model
currently in production, the Type 260-A.
Type 100-A Q Meter
The Type 100-A Q Meter was the
first model to be sold (in early 1935)
and is readily recognized because of its
45 0 panel slope.
A Type 45 tube operated in a tuned-
grid oscillator circuit having tickler
feedback. Turret selection of 7 calib-
rated frequency ranges provided a total
APPENDIX B
Cq Calibrated internal resonating capacitor
Lie Q circuit residual inductance
(lOO-A, 0.08 }Lh, 160-A
and 260-A, 0.015 }Lh)
Rse Q circuit residual series resistance
R,h Q circuit residual shunt resistance
Eq Q vacuum tube voltmeter
HI - LO External coil terminals
HI - GND External capacitor terminals
Including Residuals
range of 50 kc to 50 mc, the entire
oscillator assembly being shielded to
provide isolation from !:he Q measuring
circuit.
The oscillator Output current, con-
trolled by adjustment of the dc plate
voltage, was fed through a coaxial cable
to a thermocouple and then through a
O.04-ohm "vo!t;:6e injection resistor".
This resistor, a closely shielded resist-
ance strip, provided a low value of self
inductance so that the voltage drop
develoEed across the resistor was rela-
tively independent of frequency. The
thermocouple operated a 3-inch dc
meter which was calibrated at two Q
range settings in terms of the voltage
developed across the resistor at dc and
at low frequencies.
The Q measuring circuit included a
single-section, receiver-type capacitor
having aluminum plates which provided
a calibrated capacitance range of 37 to
460 p.p.f. Impregnated mica insulation
was employed in the capacitor for low
loss purposes, each mica insulator being
tested under conditions of 90% relative
humidity. The vernier capacitor was in
a separate frame and employed similar
insulation.
External terminals for connection of
the coils and capacitors to be tested were

.L TYPE 100-A Q METER (!lOKC- !lOMC) t t
r~{[ == ==~~~~~~~-.~~~-~~~.~~~~)"
~ U510{----4------------------+--------------------+------------t-I.-N. S..-
~ [--~- -~,~~~.~~~~~T~.-(~O~:-~O~~)~~ --
G
~ ~510 ~
{--I----------t---------.-----
__ I-
--} ~
* *t FOR CIRCUIT Q OF 2!l0
APPROXIMATELY
N. S. NO SPECIF"lCATION OF
t t TOTAL RANGE OF INTERNAL OSCILLATOR
ACCURACY IN THIS FREQUENCY RANGE
0.05 0.1 FREQUENCY
Figure 2. Specification of Circuit Q Inoication Accuracy vs Frequency
of the commercial, nickel-plated type
mounted on impregnated mica insulatOrs.
The Q voltmeter circuit employed a
triode tube operating as a form of "plate
rectifier" with provision for zero bal-
ance of the cathode current meter. The
Type 2A6 tubes were individually se-
lected in the operating circuit for high
input resistance at rf, normal input
capacitance, low direct grid current, and
normal rectified dc output versus ac
signal voltage. The 3-inch meter was
calibrated in two ranges of circuit Q
(0 to 250 and 0 to 500) in addition to
signal volts. The VTVM grid return
resistOr (100 megohms at dc) was of
a design chosen for high effective re-
sistance at rf.
The Q Meter power supply was of
the unregulated type commonly used at
that time.
Performance of this instrument, for
the Q measurement of inductOrs and
capacitOrs, was generally satisfactOry at
frequencies up to 10 mc, as shown in
Figure 2. For increasing frequencies
(i.e., above 10 mc) the accuracy grad-
ually worsened because of the effects of
injection resistOr inductance, stray coup-
ling between the rhermocouple system
and the Q measuring circuit, and Q
measuring circuit residual inductance
and residual resistance.
Type 160-A Q Meter
Increased use of highet frequencies
in the communications field created a
need for improved Q Meter accuracy at
these higher frequencies. To meet this
need, a new model, the Type 160-A Q
Meter, was developed and introduced in
1939, superseding the Type 100-A. In
addition to greatly improved accuracy,
this model had a 15 ° panel slope and a
considerahly different appearance.
I I
I ance of a connecting lead. The main
N.S..--+
f- _ ,/,10'10
--
f
I I I of gold-plated copper to provide high
10 30 50 75
I~ MEGACYCLES
The oscillatOr was essentially the same
as used in the Type 100-A instrument
except that an eighth frequency range
(50 to 75 mc) was added. Mechanical
reliability of the shielding was also
improved.
The injection system provided a com-
pletely shielded thermocouple with the
injection resistOr being included in the
same shielded assembly. Stray coupling
to the Q measuring circuit was thus
greatly reduced. Additional division lines
on the "Multiply Q By" meter scale
plate provided a wider (20 to 625)
range of circuit Q measurements and
improved accuracy.
The Q measuring circuit resonating
capacitOr, calibrated range 30 to 460
JJ.JJ.f, was of a design especially developed
to provide low residual inductance and
resistance for this purpose. Main and
vernier capacitOr sections were included
100'70 REFERENCE LINE FOR
3~,L(~f, 1001-l1"'+,AND 400
1"'1"'f SETTINGS OF" RESO-
NATING CAPACITOR HAVING
COPPER PLATES
r----::::~ ~ ~~
* CAPACITOR HAVING ALUMINUM
PLATES WAS USED TO RESONATE
SAME COILS AS WERE RESONATED
WITH REFERENCE CAPACITOR
HAVING COPPER PLATES
I I I I
0.\ 0.2 O.~ I 2
FREQUENCY, MC
Figure 3. Circuit Q Inoication of Q Meter vs Resonating Capacitor Plate Material
in a single frame to avoid the induCt-
rotOr and statOr were split into two
equal sections, the rotOr being "center
fed"; i.e., to provide a shortened current
path, the rotOr was grounded by fingers
contaCting a disk located on the shaft
midway between the twO sections. RotOr
and statOr plates fabricatec1 of copper
provided lowered rf resistance as com-
pared to the aluminum material for-
merly used. (See Figure 3.) The statOr
insulatOrs of this capacitOr were at first
of impregnated mica, but a subsequent
design modification substituted pyrex
glass balls for improved eleCtrical re-
liability.
External terminals (Figure 1) were
conductivity. To permit shortened in-
ternal leads the panel slope was changed
from 45° to 15° and the external ter-
minals were mounted integrally with the
capacitOr. The residual inductance of
this unit, measured at the COIL termi-
nals, was 0.015 JJ.h, a considerable reduc-
tion from the Type 100-A inductance
of 0.08 JJ.h.
For improved readability, a 4-inch
meter was used in the Q- VTVM. The
meter was critically damped to eliminate
the pointer over-swings found in the
Type 100-A. The power supply was of
the conventional unregulated type.
While the Type 160-A instrument
achieved a wide usage in the electronic
field and offered greatly improved ac-
curacy at the higher frequencies over
its predecessor the Type 100-A (Fig-
ure 2), its accuracy at frequencies above
30 mc was limited and the thermocouple
factOr of safety was low.
Type 260-A Q Meter
Progress in the eleCtronic and instru-
ment art indicated that a revised Q
\
~
I--
1* z
/00 90'702
" ~
;0(*
~
-<
~~
u
o
yo
80'7. !
a
~
70'7.
:::>
u
!!:
~ 10 20 50
u
Meter of refined design and improved
accuracy was needed. To meet this need,
the Type 260-A Q Meter, superseding
the Type 160-A, was developed in 1953
and is still being produced. This model
is similar in shape and size to the Type
160-A bur is recognizable by its re-
cessed dials.
An oscillator of complete redesign
employs a modern. tube and modern
components. The circuit i~ designed for
low harmonic content. Outppt current
control is in the low wattage screen
g,id circuit. Turret selection of eight
calibrated frequency ranges provides a
total coverage of 50 kc to 50 me.
The thermocouple and "Multiply Q
By" meter circuit have been redesigned
for a lower thermocouple operating
temperature and consequent greater
safety factor. Thorough shielding is em-
ployed and a 4-inch meter with mirror
scale provides greater accuracy of set-
ting the injection voltage.
The injection voltage resistor is a
0.02-ohm annular type providing es-
sentially noninductive performance at
frequencies as high as 50 me, a wel-
come change from the inductive volt-
age rise experienced with the shielded
resistance strip type of resistor used in
Q Meters Type 100-A and Type 160-A.
Figure 4 plots the error in the Type
160-A largely attributable to this cause.
The error in the 260-A is negligible.
The lowered resistance value of 0.02
ohms in the Type 260-A versus 0.04
ohms in the Types 100-A and 160-A
(this resistor being in series with the
Q measuring circuit) raises the meas-
ured circuit Q by as much as 15 % at
the higher frequencies 3. Thus the cir-
cuit Q and the coil Q are brought into
closer agreement.
The resonating capacitor (calibrated
for a range of 30 to 460 I-'I-'f) is of the
same design as was employed in the
later 160-A's except that the ,:xternal
terminals are supported on a teflon in-
sulator for improved uniformity,
strength, and reliability. The direct read-
ing capacitance scale is supplemented
by a direct reading inductance scale for
use at specified frequencies.
In addition to the usual main Q scale
(40 to 250), the Q indicating meter
provides a low Q scale (10 to 60) and a
[:, Q scale (0 to 50). These dire.:t read-
ing scales, when used in conjunction
with the "Multiply Q By" meter (range
XLO to X2.) provide a circuit Q
measurement range of 10 to 625. Each
meter employs a mirror scale for the
elimination of parallax error.
Q
TYPICAL DATA, % DIFFERENCE
---.
BETWEEN Q i AND Q.6C AS READ I
IN EACH Q METER TYPE
+10 olJ
160 A
260-A == o
2 5 10 20 50
FREQUENCY. MC
Figure 4. Q Indicated (Q,J vs Q by Delta-C (QL';cJ Method
The power supply voltages are reg- means for the user to check the accuracy
ulated by a voltage stabilizing tran:;- of his Q Meter, thus assuring instrument
former and "glow tubes", thus provid- accuracy at the time of Q measurement.
ing stability of meter indications in
Conclusion
the presence of power line voltage
fluctuations. Twenty-five years of electronic en-
gineering effort has brought forth many
Figure 5 offers a quick review of the
design highlights which contribute to advancements in the electronic field.
the improved performance of the Type We believe that Q Meter design has
260-A Q Meter. Note that the Q indica- kept pace in terms of improved accuracy
tion accuracy specification now extends of measurement, improved reliability,
upward to include the full frequency and improved stability of operation.
range of 50 kc to 50 me (Figure 2).
References
Accessory Inductors 1. Moore, W. c., "The Nature of Q",
The Type 103-A Inductor has long BRC Notebook No.1, Spring 1954.
been available as a "work coil" for use 2. Stewart, John 1., "Circuit Theory and
in Q Meter measurement of capacitors Design", John Wiley and Sons, Ine.,
and other components. The more re- 1956, p. 344.
cently introduced Types 513-A and 3. "Q Meter Comparison", BRC Note-
518-A Q Standards provide a ready book No.2, Summer' 1954.
ITEM lOO-A Q METER 260-A Q METER
Oscillator Harmonic High at some frequencies, caus- Low at all frequencies, neglig-
Content ing Q indication error. ible Q error.
Oscillator Output
Thermocouple
(A) Overload factor (A) Small, susceptible to burnout. (A) Large, burnout rare.
(8) Shielding (8) Poor, causing Q indication (6) Good, negligible Q indication
error. error.
InjectNon Voltage Inductance causes Q indication Inductive effect negligible; low-
Resistor error at higher frequencies. ered resistance value improves
circuit Q.
Resonating Capacitor Receiver type with aluminum Specially designed, silver plated
(Q Measuring Circuit) plates, vernier separate, edernol copper plates, rotor current
COIL and COND terminals sep- center-fed, vernier in same
arately mounted, impregnated frame, external COl L and CAP
mica insulation. terminals integrally mounted,
teflon and pyrex insulation, res-
idual inductance and resistance
greatly reduced.
Circuit Q Measurement 10-500 10-625; includes low Q Range
Range and .6 Q range for better
accuracy.
Meters 3 inch 4 inch, mirror scale.
Power Supply Unregulated Regulated; meter indications
stabilized against line voltage
fluctuations.
Figure 5. Highlights of Q Meter Design Differences
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 BOO NTON RA0 I 0 COR P0 RAT ION • BOO NTON, NEW J ERSEY

The Nature Of Q
W. CULLEN MOORE Engineering Manager

A discussion of the physical concepts underlying a familiar and useful, but not
always fully appreciated, quantity·· -Quality Factor. -
The familiar symbol, Q, has something in
common with a certain famous 19th century
elephant of Indostan. You may recall that in
the poem six blind men each investigated the
same elephant with the agreement that they
would report their findings to each other and
thereby determine the tcue nature of an ele-
phant. One chanced to touch the side of the
elephant and reported "God bless me! But
the elephant is very like a wall." Another,
touching the tail, proclaimed an elephant was
like a rope. The third, chancing upon a leg,
avowed the elephant to be kind of a tree, and
so on. The confusion of reports prompted the
poet to observe in conclusion that, "Each was
partly in the right, and all were in the
wrong."
And so it is with Q. The concept of Q
which each engineer favors is the one based
on the way in which he uses Q most fre-
quently. It might be to describe selectivity
curves, or the resonant rise in voltage, or the
impedance of a parallel resonant circuit, or
the envelope of a damped wave train. If one
were to ask for a definition of Q, the most
common response probably would be "Q
equals q>LjR s ". But like the description of
the elephant, this too is partly right and part-
ly wrong. The reason is, that while one can
Figure 1. The importance of the quantity Q in the analysis of electronic circuits and com.
obtain a numerical value for Q by dividing
ponents -has mode the Q Itteter a familiar laboratory tool. Here, H. J. Long, BRC Sales
the quantity (q>L) by R, it tells little or noth-
Engineer, is checking the accuracy of a Q H.eter Type 260.A with the new Q.Standard.
ing about the real nature of Q.
The expression q>LjR s is a dimensionless Q as a basis for its description, we must look nating currents, namely capacitance and in-
ratio and therefore a pure number. As such it for a physical concept. We may then explore ductance, have the common characteristic of
enjoys no distinction from other pure num- the implications and applications of this con- being capable of storing energy. An inductor
bers. If we are to look for the meaning of cept in a variety of specific situations. stores energy in the form of an electromag-
Let us go one step further in our analysis of netic field surrounding its winding. A capa-
the expression q>LjR.. It is not immediately citor stores energy in the form of polarization
YOU WILL FIND .•• apparent why this particular numerical ratio of the dielectric. Each of these systems will
should be chosen to describe certain charac- deliver most of the stored energy back into
The Q-Standard teristics of components and circuits over all the circuit from which it came. These com-
A new reference inductor for checking the other similar ratios which might be set mon characteristics indicate that perhaps we
Q Meter performance • •••• on Page 5 up. The reason for this choice once again should look to energy relationships for an
A Service Note refers back to the concept involved in the appropriate description of the behavior of
Replacing the Thermocouple establishment of a definition for Q. We shall circuits.
Assembly Type S6S·A in the see presently that the basic idea leads directly As mentioned above, most, but not all of
Q Meter Type 260.A. • • •• on Page 6 to a simple expression by which we can deter- the energy stored in an inductor or a capacitor
mine a numerical magnitude. is delivered back into the total system. If we
A Table of Basic Formulas
In the first place, the Q of a circuit or start with this energy concept, we are in a
Involving Q. • • • • • • • •• on Page -4
component has practical significance only position to derive a figure of merit for the
An Introduction to when an alternating current, usually sinu- system in terms of its ability to store energy
Boonton Radio Corporation. on Page 7 soidal in waveform, is flowing through it. as compared with the energy it wastes.
The circuit parameters associated with alter- Continued on Page 2

THE BRC NOTEBOOK is published
four tllnes a year by the Boonton Radio
Corporation. It is mailed free of charge
to SC1entlSts, engmeers and other inter-
ested persons m the communications
and electronics fields. The contents may
be reprmted only with written permis-
sion fr01l1 the editor. Your comments
and suggestions are welcome, and
.rhould be addressed to.' Editor, THE
BRC NOTEBOOK, Boonton Radio
Corporation, Boonton, N. f.
The Nature 01 Q (continued)
DERIVATION OF Q= .... L/R
In describing the behavior of a circuit in
which an alternating current is flowing (as
shown in Fig. 2), it is most convenient to
use as our interval one complete current cycle.
During this interval the system will have
experienced all of its configurations of energy
distribution and will have returned as nearly
as possible to the starting condition. We are
interested in the ratio of the total energy
stored in the system to the amount of energy
d issi pated per cycle by the system.
Figure 2. Energy relationships in an
elementary a-c series circuit.
To calculate the total stored energy, let us
select that portion of the cycle at which all
the energy is stored in the field of the in-
ductor. (This is quite arbitrary, as we could
just as well assume all the energy to be stored
in the capacitor.) We recall from electrical
engineering that the energy stored in the field
surrounding an inductor is equal to 1/2 LP.
In this case I will be the peak current in
amperes.
The average power lost in the resistor is
1/2R s 12, where Rs is the total serie~ resistance
of all elements in the circuit, and I is the peak
current in amperes. The factor 1/2 appears
because the (effective current) = .707 (peak
current, I), and (.7071)2 = 1/212.
The energy lost per cycle is equal to the
average power times the time of one cycle,
l' == (l/f), or 1/2R s 12T.
The ratio of stored energy to energy dis-
sipated per cycle becomes:
1 217fL
2 17 R;-
J.. WL_-..l
2rr Rs-217 Q
BOONTON RADIO CORPORATION
Hence: Q = 2" total energy stored ponent R s becomes small. In the case at the
energy dissipated per cycle parallel resonance circuit, the larger the shunt
Thus we see that the familiar expression resistance the larger the value of Q.
giving the magnitude of the quantity Q fol- Summarizing:
lows directly from the basic concept of the
ability of a component or circuit to store Q = w L 1 Rp
wCRp
energy and the energy dissipated per cycle. Rs wCRs wL
Q IN A PARALLEL CIRCUIT SELECTIVITY
The above analysis has been made on the We have seen how the expression Q =
assumption of a so-called series circuit which qJL/R, can be derived directly from power
assumes <ill losses in the circuit to be repre- consideration in an R-L-C circuit. By extend-
sented by a single resistor in series with a ing the analysis of power relationship in such
lossless in'ductor and a lossless capacitor. We circuits we can also derive an expression
are now interested in obtaining an expression
for the case in which we are looking at the
circuit from the outside, or parallel connec-
tion, in which the resistor, the inductor, and
the capacitor are all in parallel as shown in
Fig. 3.
An equivalent expression for Q for the
two circuits of Fig. 3 can be obtained most
readily if we consider the current distribu-
tions when the applied alternating current
has the same frequency as the resonant fre-
quency of the R-L-C combinations. In Fig.
3-a, the current, I, flowing through the circuit
from point A to point B is controlled by the
parallel resonant impedance of the circuit: Figure 3. Current distributions in
.1. R )
Z (-J(;jC)(JwL+ s parallel resonant circuits.
AS (_j
_l_)+(jwL+Rs)
wC which describes the selectivity, or response-
1 versus-frequency, curve for circuits in the
At resonance: I wcl = I w L I = x,
vicinity of their natural resonant frequency.
where I I indicates magnitude, so that To begin with, we will need to establish
two points on the resonance curve for refer-
Z _ (-j X) (+ j X + R s) _ X Z - j X R s ence. A convenient choice of points is one
AS - -j X + j X + Rs Rs in which the net circuit inductive or capa-
XZ citive reactance equals the resistance in the
= 1f; + (-jX). circuit. These two points can be shown to lie
at frequencies at which the power in the cir-
The absolute magnitude of this impedance is cuit is one half the power at the maximum
XZ)Z Ix 2 response frequency. (See Fig. 4.)
Z
AS
= /(-
Rs
+ X Z = X v--
RZ
+ 1. Assume that the reactance equals the resist-
s ance. Then the total circuit impedance is
Or, Z = w L V Q2 +1 equal to the following:
For most practical purposes this reduces to:
Z = QwL,
Z J R; + XZ = J R; + R;
which is the impedance of a parallel reason- V 2R; = 1.414R s
ant circuit. For the external current flowing
through Figure 3-a we may then write, I = We must remember that this new imped-
E/QwL. ance consists of the original resistance plus
Referring to Figure 3-b, we may consider some reactance. Only the resistance com-
that the combination of C and L, with all ponent of the impedance consumes power.
losses now accumulated into the equivalent If we apply the same voltage to this circuit
parallel resistor R1" forms at resonance an at the selected frequency as at the resonant
infinite impedance circuit in shunt with a frequency, the current at the new selected
finite resistor Rw The current flowing frequency will be It = 0.707 In where 10 is
through such a circuit will be I = E/R ll . the current at resonance. The power dis-
sipated in the circuit is then
Equating: ~ =~ or, Qw L = Rp Z Z Z
Qw L Rpj Wf IfR s = (.7071 0 ) R s = .5 laRs
Rewriting: Q = Rp/ w L • .5 Wo
where Rp =
total effective parallel circuit Let us now see what frequency relation-
resistance in ohms. ships are involved. Near resonance, if we
It is convenient to remember that for the change the frequency by a small amount
series case, R s is in the denominator and Q ~f toward a higher frequency, the net re-
becomes very large as the dissipative com- actance of the circuit will change due to two
-2-
 THE NOTEBOOK
equal contributions in the same direction:
(1) there will be a small increase in the
inductive reactance due to the increased fre-
quency, and (2) there will be an equal
amount of decrease in the capacitive react-
ance. The net change in reactance is the sum
of these two equal changes. The change in
reactance due to the increased inductive re-
actance alone is t1X 1 = 27ft1fL, and the
change in the total reactance is
t1X = 2(21T t1fL) = 41Tt1fL.
Choose t1f equal to the difference between
the frequency at either of the half-power
points, f 1 or f 2, and the resonance frequency,
f o . Since we have seen that at the half-power
points X = R, we can write the two follow-
ing equations:
Rs 41T(fo-f 1) L
41Tf o L - 41Tf l L
R = 41T(f -I ) L
s 2 o analyzed this circuit from the standpoint of
=-41Tf o L + 41T f 2 L .
Adding these two equations:
2R = 47f(f2-f1)L.
Re-arranging and multiplying both sides
by f o
_f_o_ 21T fa L _ Ii) L = Q
(f 2 - f 1 ) Rs - Rs
This is the application of Q which is most
familiar to radio engineers; namely, an ex-
pression of the selectivity of a resonant cir-
I cuit in terms of Q. As we see above, it is
based on the power dissipated in the circuit
at two selected frequencies.
RESONA NT RISE IN VOLT AGE
Let us now look at another common mani-
festation of the Q of a resonant circuit; name-
ly the voltage multiplication phenomena.
Consider once again the series circuit of
Fig. 2 having a total equivalent series re-
sistance, Rs, and a circulating current caused
by a small sinusoidal voltage, e, injected in
series with the circuit. At series resonance
Figure 4. Resonance curve, showing
half.power -points.
the current circulating within the resonant
circuit is limited only by the resistance and
will be 10 = ejR s . This circulating current
will produce a voltage across the inductor
equal to E = 10 lllL = (ejR s ) lllL.
The resonant rise in voltage then is
~=Ii)L=Q
e Rs
This is often written
E = Qe.
For relatively high values of R. (corre-
sponding to low Q) we must also account for Figure 5. Q as a clamping factor.
the drop across the resistor:
current and the driving voltage in a circuit
E = I a .V/ R2s + li)2 L2 containing reactance and resistance. If we
=e- ..; R2 + li)2L2 = e j 1 +--2-
li) 2 L2 once again arbitrarily limit ourselves to con-
sideration of inductors, the expression for
Rs s Rs
phase angle is the familiar formula:
So for this case tan ¢ = Ii) LjR s = Q
E=ev'1+Q2 Or: Q = (tangent of the phase angle.)
Of course we could just as well have Closely associated with the phase angle
is the power factor. The power factor of an
the voltage across the capacitor, but we would inductor is the ratio of the total resistance
have arrived at exactly the same results. absorbing power to the total impedance of
the device, and is designated by Cos ¢ :
Rs Rs
POWER DISSIPATION
Cos¢=JR~+(U2L2 RsJ 1+(U2L2
Proceeding directly out of the· method by
1 R~
which we derive Q, namely from the stand-
point of energy, we can see that the net Q JT+"Q2
of the complete oscillator circuit describes
the manner in which the ci.rcuit causes the 1
This is approximately Cos¢=Q.
current to flow in alternate directions, and
describes the energy lost per cycle in the THE Q METER
process. This lost energy per cycle must be
made up by the power supply of the system
Practically all of the relationships men-
or oscillation will die out.
tioned above have been used in radio and
We know that a circuit consisting of an
electrical engineering for a great many years.
inductor, a capacitor and a resistor in series,
However, the expression Q and its numerical
which is charged and allowed to oscillate,
value of Q = lllLjR s did not come into popu-
will experience an exponential decay in the
lar usage until the early 1930's. The need for
magnitude of the peak current. This decay
follows the form C-~L 1·
The portion
of this expression Rj2L is defined as the
the rapid measurement of Q arose with the
growth of the broadcast receiver industry,
and Boonton Radio Corporation demon-
strated the first "Q-METER" at the Rochester
damping coefficient, and describes the amount
IRE Meeting in November, 1934.
by which each successive cycle is lower than
A numerical quantity for Q might be ob-
its predecessor, as shown in Fig. S. If we
tained by measuring each of the parameters
multiply the damping coefficient by the time
involved in any of the various forms which
for one cycle, we obtain the expression known
have been given above. However, certain of
as the logarithmic decrement of a circuit,
these expressions lend themselves to direct
which includes the effect of frequency. In
measurement much more readily than others.
each successive cycle of period T we obtain
Originally, the favored method was to actual-
the following current ratios:
ly measure lllL and R s . Later, measurements
of Q were based on the frequency relation-
(
-0 ship, using a heterodyne detector system. This
method is feasible but demands great accuracy
of the variable frequency generator in order
1 <- Rs <- 11
to obtain resasonable accuracy of the final
But T =1' so u = 2fL, or U = Q
result.
Rewriting: Q = t An expression equivalent to the frequency
relationship can be written in terms of capa-
We see that in this application Q is inti- citance. For the series resonant case we ob-
mately linked with the rate of decay of oscil- tain the following:
lation in a dissipative circuit. Before we leave
the subject of Q and power, let us mention Q= C2~
2 1
briefly two other factors which find com-
mon usage in electrical engineering. The The multiplier 2 is introduced b~ause the
fi rst of these is the phase angle between the change in frequency is proportional to the
-3-
 BOONTON RADIO CORPORATION

square root of the change in capacitance. THE AUTHOR

For incremental quantities this reduces to 2.
W. Cullen Moore was graduated from physics. He studied advanced Electrical Engi-
The relationship which has found almost
Reed College in 1936 with a B.A. degree in neering, specializing in microwaves and
universal acceptance in the design of instru'
UHF, at Northwestern University between
ments for the direct measurement of Q makes
1939 and 1942, and received an M.A. in
use of the resonant rise of voltage principle
physics from Boston University in 1949.
outlined above. In such instruments a small
radio frequency voltage of known m~gnitude
From 1940 to 1947 he was Senior Project
Engineer for Motorola, Inc., where he direct-
is injected into the resonating circuit across
a very small series resistor. At resonance ed work on FM receiver design and signal
this voltage causes a current to flow which generating equipment. During the war, he
is limited only by the magnitude of the total had charge of the development of the SCR-
equivalent series resistance of the circuit. The 511 "Cavalry Set", the redesign of the SCR-
current flowing through the inductor results 536 "Handie-Talkie", and airborne com-
in the resonant rise of voltage given by E = munications equipment.
eQ. This magnified voltage is read by a Between 1947 and 1951, Mr. Moore was
vacuum tube voltmeter connected across the a Project Supervisor at the Upper Air Re-
resonating capacitor. Since the series voltage search Laboratory at Boston University,
injected into the circuit is known, it is possi- where he supervised the design of rocket-
ble to calibrate the scale of the voltmeter borne electronic equipment. During the
directly in values of Q. same period he taught electronics as an
instructor in the B. U. Physics Department.
CONCLUSION In 1951 he joined Tracerlab, Inc., where he
remained as Chief Engineer until 1953,
when he accepted the position of Engineer-
We have seen that the conventional ex-
ing Manager of Boonton Radio Corporation.
pression for the magnitude of Q can be
deflved from the basic concept of energy
stored compared to energy dissipated per
cycle m a resonant system. Its use as a meas·
ure of the: damping effect in decaying wave
trams, Its relationship to phase angle and Basic Formulas Involving Q
power factor, and the selectivity of a reson·
ant Circuit are seen to come out of energy A. TWO-TERMINAL IMPEDANCE
and power consideratIOns. In addition to
these factors, such critical basic measure- FORMULAS RELATING EQUIVALENT SERIES AND PARALLEL COMPONENTS
ments as radio frequency resistance of a wide
variety of ~omponents, the loss angle of
capacitors, dielectric constants, characteristics _ X.
Q - R.
wL. 1 ~l'.. = ~ = RpwCp
of antennas, and transmission line parameters R. = wCsR. Xp wLp
are all part of the continually expanding list
General Q greater Q less General Q greater Q less
made practICal by a simple, direct-reading Formula than 10 than 0.1 Formula than lO (han 0.1
mstrument for the measurement of Q, the
9·Me/er. R = ~p_- R s = R 11 RI' = R,(l+Q') Rp = R,Q' RI' = R,
, l+Q' R = ~
Q'
+Q' X,
BIBLIOGRAPHY
X
,
=X~
P1+Q'
X~ = XI) X, = X,Q' X, = X,~ Q'- X, -- X, XI' = Q2

Q2
~;
1 +Q'
While the equations given above for the L, = L,J.+Q2 L, = 1" L, - LpQ' L" = L, .-(i' . L, = L, L, =
various quantities involving Q may be found
m many places, the references below offer C, =
l+Q'
Co--- C, = Co c. ~ _Cr.
c., --c. 1 +Q'
Q' C,. = C, Cp = C,Q"
Q2 ' Q'
an excellent presentation of the energy con·
cept:
Principles of Radio Communication; 2nd B, TUNED CIRCUIT
Edition, 1927, J. H. Morecroft; John 3. Power Dissipation
Wdey and Son; Page 255 and following. 1. Se lee tiv ity
Q =fo = 2C a. Power Factor = cos ¢

Radio/ron Designers Handbook; 4th

T;:T2 ~1 R
=JR2+L 2w 2 =JI+Q2
1

Edition, 1952, Radio Corporation of Where f 1 and f 2 are half-

America; Harrison, New Jersey, Page power points and Co , C 1, and for inductors, Q =
409 and following. and C 2 are cap acitance tan = wL
values at f o f 2 and f 1 ¢
Vanllllll Tube Oscil/a/ors, 1st Edition, respectively.
19'53, William A. Edson; John Wiley b. Damped Oscillations

~
and Son; Pages 20·21. 2. Resonant Rise in
Q =.....!!..., where 8 is the ""
Lt ,J - -
I ". -- __

Voltage Q = .£. 8
e logarithmic decrement.
VaCllulIJ Tube Circuits; 1st Edition, 1948, For relatively large R s
Lawrence B. Arguimbau, John Wiley and (low Q), E =ej1+C.7
son; Pages 184-185.

-4-
 THE NOTEBOOK
t,
F1flu" J. TIte Q-S,.."dorG Typ. 513."
The Q-Standard
A NEW REFERENCE INDUCTOR FOR CHECKING Q METER PERFORMANCE
Dr. Chi Lung Kong
James E. Wachter
Widespread acceptance of the Q Meter as for use as accessory coils in a variety of Q
a basic tool for electronic research and de- Meter measurements. This resemblance is
velopment has lead, in recent years, to an only superficial, however, since highly spe-
increasing demand for some convenient cialized design and manufacturing techniques
means of checking the performance and have been required to provide the high de-
accuracy of the instrument periodically in gree of electrical stability demanded of such
the field. a unit.
As a result of this demand, BRC engi- The inductance element consists of a high-
neers have developed the recently-announced Q coil of Litz wire wound on a low-loss
Q-Standard Type 513-A, a highly stable steatite form. After winding, the coil is
reference inductor, intended specifically for heated to remove any moisture present, coat-
use in checking the performance of Q Meters ed with silicone varnish, and baked. A stable,
Type 160-A and 260-A. By comparing the carbon-film resistor is shunted across the
accurately-known parameters of this induc- coil to obtain the proper Q-versus-frequency
\ tor directly with the corresponding values characteristics. The coil form is mounted on
read on the Q Meter, the user may now ob- a copper base which in turn is fitted to a
tain a dependable indication of the accuracy cylindrical, copper shield can. The coil leads
with which his Q Meter is operating. are brought through the base to replaceable
The Q-Standard is designed and con- banana plug connectors which allow the
structed to maintain, as nearly as possible, unit to be plugged directly into the Q Meter
constant electrical characteristics. In external COIL posts. The low potential connector is
appearance the unit is very similar to the in- mounted directly on the base, while the high
ductors (Type 103-A) which are available potential connector is insulated from the base
-5-
by a steatite bushing. To provide maximum
protection against moisture, the unit is her-
metically sealed, evacuated, and filled with
dry helium under pressure.
elECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The principal electrical characteristics of
each individual Q-Standard are measured at
the factory and stamped on the nameplate
of the unit. These include the inductance
(L), the distributed capacity (Cd), and 3
values of effective Q (Qc) and indicated Q
(Q;), determined at frequencies of 0.5, 1.0
and 1. 5 me, respectively.
The effective Q may be defined as the Q
of the Q-Standard assembly mounted on the
Q-Meter, exclusive of any losses occurring in
the measuring circuit of the Q Meter itself.
It differs from the true Q by an amount
which depends largely on the distributed
capacitance of the inductor. At the fre-
quencies for which Qc is given, the following
relation is approximately correct:
TRUE Q = Qe (1 + Cd / c')
Where C' and C'd are corrected values of
resonating capacitance and distributed
capacitance. respectively, as described
below.
The Q of the unit as read on an average
Q Meter (indicated Q) will differ from the
effective Q by a small percentage which is
the result of certain losses inherent in the
measuring circuit of the instrument. These
losses are minimized, and may usually be
disregarded in all but exacting measure-
ments. However, t6 provide a more accurate
check on the Q Meter reading, The Q-
Standard is also marked with values of in-
dicated Q. Small variations in the calibration
of both the Q Meter and the Q Standard
may cause individual instruments to deviate
slightly from the expected reading, but a Q
Meter Type 160-A or 260-A which indicates
within ± 7% of the Qi value marked on the
Q-Standard may be considered to be oper-
ating within its specified tolerances. Al-
though quantitative indications are not pos-
sible, it is worthwhile to note, when wider
deviations are encountered, that an error
which is greatest at 0.5 mc may indicate cali-
br;ition inaccuracy, while one which becomes
severe at 1.5 mc may be caused by excessive
shunt loading effects.
In addition to checking indicated Q, the
Q-Standard may be used to determine the
calibration accuracy of the Q Meter reson-
ating capacitor. This may be done readily by
tuning the measuring circuit to resonance at
any desired frequency within the resonant
limits of the Q-Standard, and comparing the
reading on the capacitor dials with the value
predicted by -he expression,
C = _1_ - Cd
w 2L
The measuring circuit of a Q Meter Type
160-A or 260-A, with a Q-Standard mounted
on the COIL posts, is represented in Fig. 2-a.
Here R,. is the Q Meter shunt loss, Q is the

Q-indicating meter, R i is the Q Meter injec-
tion resistor, and C' is the resonating capaci-
tance. L, Rand C/ represent the inductance,
series resIstance and corrected distributed
capacitance, respectively, of the Q-Standard.
The equivalent circuit shown in Fig. 2-b in-
dicates the corresponding effective para-
meters of the Q-Standard, which are related
to the values in Fig. 2-a as follows:
L manner described above the value, Cd, in-
L
e l-Ul LCd
R
R must be used. In determining Q. for ex-
e (l-Ul2 L CP2
Ul L e
Qe Re
Figure 2. Schematic representation of Q
Meter measuring circuit with Q-Stond-
orJ attached.
It is worthwhile to consider, briefly, the
corrected value of distributed capacitance
(Cd') mentioned above. This value is the
distributed capacitance of the Q-Standard
when it is actually mounted on the Q Meter.
It differs by a small, constant value from
the distributed capacitance (Cd) marked on
the nameplate, because of a capacitance shift
caused by the proximity of the Q-Standard
shield can to the Q Meter HI post. This
proximity causes the transfer of a small value
of capacitance from between the Q Meter HI
post and ground to between the HI post and
the\Q-Standard shield can. This results in a
change in the calibration of the resonating
capacitor, and a corresponding change in the
Q-Standard distributed capacity.
Thus, if the tuning dial of the resonating
capacitor is adjusted to' a value, C, with
nothing attached to the coil posts, the actual
value of tuning capacitance will be reduced
by a small constant to a new value, C', when
the Q-Standard is connected. At the same
time, the distributed capacitance of the Q-
BOONTON RADIO CORPORATION
Standard is increased to become Cd'. The
magnitude of this effect is 0.4 I-'I-'f, and we Service Note
may write,
REPLACING THE THERMOCOUPLE
C' = C - 0.4 /l/lf ASSEMBLY TYPE 565-A IN THE
Q M EYER TYPE 260-A
C cf = Cd + 0.4 /l/lf
When the Q-Standard is used to check the It is the function of the Q Meter thermo·
calibration of the resonating capacitor, in the couple to monitor accurately the voltage in·
jected by the oscillator into the measuring
dicated on the nameplate is used. In other circuit. Although the unit in the Q Meter
applications, however, where accurate results Type 260-A has been made considerably more
are desired, the corrected values, C' and Cd', rugged than that of the older Q Meter Type
160-A, it is necessarily a sensitive device
which may be subject to damage or burnout
ample,
under prolonged overload. For this reason,
UlLe _ 1 care is necessary in operating the instrument
~ - R e UlC'
to avoid increasing the oscillator output (in-
it can be seen that the correction may assume dicated on the XQ Meter) into the "red-
some importance, particularly at 1.5 mc, lined" region beyond the indicated Xl value.
where C' is relatively small.
It should be noted that, in order to hold
this proximity effect constant, particular care
has been taken to provide for accurately-
reproducible positioning of the Q-Standard
with respect to the Q Meter HI post. For
this purpose, the base of the high-potential
connector serves as a mounting stop. When
this connector is fully inserted in the HI
post, the low potential connector (which is
the shorter of the two) will not be fully
seated in the LO post, and the insulated sup-
port attached to the Q-Standard base will not
touch the top of the Q Meter cabinet.
If desired, a secondary standard inductor
may be derived from the Q-Standard by Figure 1. Thermocouple Assembly Type
means of a comparison method which is both 565-A
simple and accurate. The accuracy of the Q If thermocouple failure should occur, the
Meter, which is the only equipment needed, assembly may be replaced, by the user, with
has only higher order effects on the results. a new assembly obtained from the factory, if
The inductor selected should have elec- the proper care is taken. In ordering, it is
trical parameters and outside shield dimen- necessary to include the serial number of the
sions which are fairly close to those of tlie Q Meter in which the thermocouple is to
Q-Standard. The standardization (i.e. ac- be used since they must be individually
curate determination of the effective Q of matched. The procedure outlined below is
the secondary standard) is done as follows: presented as reference material for the con-
First, plug the Q-Standard into the Q Meter venience of Q Meter Type 260·A owners.
and resonate the measuring circuit at one of CHECKING FOR THERMOCOUPLE FAILURE
the three frequencies (0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 mc) If no reading can be obtained on the XQ
for which Q. is given on the Q-Standard meter, thermocouple burnout may be sus-
nameplate. Then replace the Q Standard
with the secondary standard and obtain
readings of 6Q (from the 6Q scale) and
6C (C l - C2 ). With the data given on
the Q-Standard nameplate, determine C'
from,
C' = 2\ - (Cd + 0.4 /l!Jf)
The effective Q of the secondary standard
may then be determined from the relation,
Q. (unkown) =
(,J(C '+~C)
Figure 2. Thermocouple circuit of the
Q Met.r Type 260.A.
-6-
THE NOTEBOOK
pected. Since this symptom may also be
produced by failure of the local oscillator,
however, the output of the latter should be
checked first. This may be done by measur-
ing from point A (See Fig. 2) to ground
with a vacuum tube voltmeter. If the oscilla-
tor produces a 'voltage across these points,
disconnect one lead from the XQ meter and
check for continuity between points A-C,
A-B, B-D and CD. An open circuit between
any of these indicates thermocouple failure.
The maximum resistance of the XQ meter is
65 ohms; the total resistance of the junction
circuit loop, including the XQ meter, cali-
bration resistors and thermocouple element,
can vary from 85 to 115 ohms. CAUTION:
Do not disassemble the thermocouple unit.
REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE
The 565-A thermocouple replacement as-
sembly for the Q Meter Type 260-A includes
the thermocouple unit itself, a 0.02 ohm in-
sertion resistor, two calibration resistors and
two filter capacitors. Replacement of the
assembly should be made as follows:
1. Remove the front panel and chassis as-
sembly from the Q Meter cabinet and place
it, face down, on a flat work surface.
2. Remove the UG-88jU plug from the re-
ceptacle at the rear of the thermocouple
assembly.
3. Unscrew and remove the LO binding post
termInal nut. Then, using a right-angle
soldering iron (see Fig. 3), carefully un-
solder the thin metal strap which connects
the thermocouple unit to the bottom of the
LO post.
4. Remove the terminal lugs from the XQ
meter and unci amp the cable from the front
panel and resonating capacitor frame.
5. Remove the four mounting screws from
the thermocouple assembly, and carefully
remove the assembly from the Q Meter.
6. Install the new unit and connect the at-
tached cable to the XQ meter terminals,
observing the indicated polarity. Clamp the
cable to the front panel and resonating capa-
citor frame.
Figure 3. Using a right-angle soldering
iron to solder the thermocouple con-
necting strap in place
7. Trim the connecting strap to a length
which will permit it to reach the bottom of
the LO post with a small amount of slack to
allow for binding post movement. Solder
this strap to the LO post, being careful not to
leave the iron in contact with the strap any
longer than necessary.
8. Replace the binding post nut and return
the instrument to its cabinet.- E .GRIMM
an introduction to
BOONTON RADIO
Frank G. Marble,
The Boonton Radio Corporation was
formed in 1934. Since that time it has been
developing, designing, and manufacturing
precision electronic instruments. To under-
stand some of the details of the Company's
growth, we must take a look at the field
of electronics for a few years preceding 1934.
Many of the concepts that made wireless
communication possible were discovered be-
fore the First World War. During this war
many new ideas evolved and considerable
practical experience was gained in the use
of the new ideas. A keen public apprecia-
tion of the usefulness of the transmission of
intelligence over a distance without wire con-
nection appeared at this. period. In the years
following the war, manufacturers began de-
voting time and money to the use of radio
devices for many purposes. They found it
necessary to obtain component parts which
were new to most of them, and they needed
methods for testing both the component
parts and their final products.
Under these conditions the Radio Fre-
quency Laboratories was organized in Boon-
ton, New Jersey. The staff consisted, at first,
of one radio engineer, and their work con-
cerned the manufacture of coil forms and
other radio parts using insulating material.
As time passed, additional technical person-
nel was added and the work of general engi-
neering consultation was undertaken. This
type of work naturally led to a good under-
standing of test equipment requirements.
In 1934, Mr. William D. Loughlin, who
had been President of Radio Frequency
Laboratories, together with several of his
associates, formed the Boonton Radio Cor-
poration. The first product of the new
company was a Q Meter which read Q di-
rectly on a meter scale. Up until that time
the measurement of Q had been made in-
directly by use of bridges for measuring the
effective reactance and resistance concerned.
These measurements had been subject to error
because of the techniques required, and use-
ful measurements took a great deal of time.
-7-
CORPORATION
Sales Manager
With the new Q Meter, measurements were
simple and rapid, and the instrument proved
capable of many additional valuable labora-
tory measurements on basic components and
circuits. The flexible, accurate, easily used
instrument was accepted almost immediately
by the growing radio industry.
By 1941 a new model, replacing the
earlier Q Meter, was introduced and the
Company undertook development work on
a frequency-modulated signal generator to
meet the requirements for test equipment
which the new frequency-modulated com-
munication equipment demanded. Com-
mercial instruments were made available
and Boonton Radio Corporation continues
to this date to make several forms of fre-
quency-modulated test signal generators.
The early years of the Second World
War brought the use of higher and higher
frequencies, and a Q Meter similar to the
earlier models, but applicable to higher fre-
quencies, was designed. At the same time
the activities of the Company were directed
more and more to military applications. Its
Q Meter and Frequency Modulated Signal
Gtnerators were widely used in military
work and the Company produced a pulse
modulated RF signal generator for use in
testing radar systems. This instrument was
produced in large quantities and is still used
by all military services.
At the end of the War the FM Signal
Generator was redesigned to permit coverage
of a wider frequency range, to include AM
as well as FM, and to obtain deviations in
frequency which did not vary with carrier
frequency. This instrument had very low
leakage and a wide selection of accurately
calibrated output voltages. It soon became
the standard in its field and still maintains
that position.
The aircraft transportation field in the
1940's was developing more accurate meth-
ods of navigation and better methods of
landing in bad weather. A system for solving
these problems was approved by the Civil
 BOONTON RADIO CORPORATION THE NOTEBOOK

Aeronautic Administration and put in use

both commercially and by the military serv-
ices. Unusually accurate and specialized test
equipment was required by this system and
Boonton Radio Corporation was asked to
undertake a design. A Signal Generator for
Navigation equipment was produced in
1947 and an additional piece of equipment
for testing receivers used in landing air-
planes came very shortly after this. In 1952
the Company produced a more advanced
model of the "Glide Path" testing equip-
ment for the landing of aircraft.
In the last few years, the Company has
turned its efforts to the development of self-
contained, broad-band, flexible instruments
containing RF bridges for measurement of
components and cables. A new instrument,
the RX Meter, was introduced which meas-
ures parallel resistance and parallel reactance
of two-terminal networks over the LF and
VHF ranges. The low frequency and high
frequency Q Meters have been redesigned to
include new features which increase the use-
fulness and accuracy of the equipment.
Companies, like people, have character-
istics which identify them. From its forma-
tion to the present time, the Boonton Radio
Corporation has built products of high qual-
ity. No attempt has been made to produce
cheap instruments, and the quality and use-
fulness per invested dollar has been kept
high. Close tolerances, high stability, me-
chanical soundness, and broad applicability
have all been built into the Company's equip-
ment. The Company regards its products as
fine general-purpose tools for electronics
craftsmen.
A Note From
Since this is the first issue of THE NOTE-
BOOK, it seems appropriate to take a few
lines to define the policies and purpose of
our new publication. Briefly, THE NOTE-
BOOK has been planned and produced in
order to distribute, to you and to as many
interested persons as possible, information
which we feel to be of value on the theory
and practice of radio frequency testing and
measurement.
In the past we have limited ourselves sub-
stantially to advertising, catalogs and in-
struction manuals for the broad distribution
of such information. Inevitably, much im-
portant data was found to be too detailed
for ads and catalogs; many new applications
and techniques were learned or developed
after publication of the instruction manuals.
To provide a means, therefore, of informing
you periodically of new methods and de-
velopments, and to furnish you with refer-
ence and background material of value in
the application of our test equipment, THE
NOTEBOOK has been established.
We feel that the name which we have
selected is particularly appropriate, since
much of the information which it will con-
tain will be taken from our field and labora-
tory engineering notebooks, and since this
and subsequent issues will, we believe, find
The Editor ...
a place 10 your own reference notebook. FOI
the latter purpose, we have adopted standard
notebook dimensions and punching in select-
il).g our format.
Because the Q Meter is so well known
and widely used, we have devoted most of
the first issue to this instrument and the
quantity which it measures. Our lead article
discusses the nature of Q itself, using an ap-
proach somewhat different from the usual
textbook handling of the subject. Then we
have included some information on the re-
cently-developed Q-Standard, a reference in-
ductor designed to provide a check on Q
Meter performance. A service note provides
detailed information on the replacement of
the thermocouple in the Q Meter Type
260-A. Finally, to introduce ourselves to
you, we have included a brief outline of the
history of our company.
THE NOTEBOOK will be published four
times a year; in March June, September and
December. A written request, giving your
company, title and mailing address is enough
to start you as a subscriber. If you have any
suggestions, comments or questions concern-
ing the contents or policies of THE NOTE-
BOOK, we would be happy to have you
direct them to Editor, THE NOTEBOOK,
Boonton Radio Corp., Boonton, N. J.

ENGINEERING REPRESENTATIVES

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico HIGH POINT, North Coro/ino PHOENIX, Arizona SAN FRANCISCO, California
NEELY ENTERPRISES BIVINS & CALDWELL NEELY ENTERPRISES NEELY ENTERPRISES
107 WoshinQton Street, S.E. Security Bank Building 1931 West Vermont Avenue 2830 Geory Boulevard
Telephone, 5-5586 Telephone, High Point 3672 Telephone, Alpine 2-5290 Telephone, Walnut 1-2361

BOONTON, New Jersey HOUSTON, Texas PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York
BOONTON RADIO CORPORATION EARL LIPSCOMB ASSOCIATES H. E. RANSFORD COMPANY E. A. OSSMANN & ASSOC., INC.
Intervale Road P. O. Box 6573 Grant Building 65 Webster Street
Telephone, Boonton 8-3200 Telephone, linden 9303 Telephone, Grant 1-1880 Telephone, Schenectady 6-5428

CHICAGO, Illinois LOS ANGELES, California ROCHESTER, New York ST. PAUL, Minnesota
ALFRED CROSSLEY & ASSOCIATES NEELY ENTERPRISES E. A. OSSMANN & ASSOC., INC. ALFRED CROSSLEY & ASSOCIATES
4501 N. Ravenswood Avenue 7422 Melrose Avenue 3 Juniper Street 2388 University Avenue
Telephone, Uptown 8-1141 Telephone, Webster 3·9201 Telephone, Culver 7640 Telephone, Prior 4955

DALLAS, Texos MONTREAL, Canada SACRAMENTO, California SYRACUSE, New York

EARL LIPSCOMB ASSOCIATES RCA VICTOR COMPANY, LTD. NEELY ENTERPRISES E. A. OSSMANN & ASSOC., INC.
P. O. Box 8042 1001 lenoir Street 1317 15th Street 308 Merritt Avenue
Telephone, Elmhurst 5345 Telephone, Wellington 7551 Telephone, Gilbert 2-8901 Telephone, Syracuse 9-3825

DAYTON, Ohio NEW HAVEN, Connedicut SAN DIEGO, California WALTHAM, Massachusetts
ALFRED CROSSLEY & ASSOCIATES ROBERT A. WATERS, INC. NEELY ENTERPRISES ROBERT A. WATERS, INC.
53 Pork Avenue 1150 Whalley Avenue 1029 Rosecrons Street 4 Gordon Street
Telephone, Ox moor 3594 Telephone, Fulton 7-6760 Telephone, Boyview 8106 Telephone, Walthom 5-6900

BOONTON RADIO CORPORATION

BOONTON, NEW JERSEY Printed in U.S.A.

-8-
 SERVICE NOTE P ·1 fl!iA

STOCK NUMBER 165A

THERMOCOUPLE ASSEMBLY

The thermocouple unit Stock No. 165A is a replacement for Boonton Radio Model 160A
Q Meters. The thermocouple unit and associated calibrating resistor are calibrated at
the factory for a particular Q Meter (indicated on the tag attached to the part) and should
be installed only in that particular Q Meter.

The replacement thermocouple unit consists of:

(a) A shielded thermocouple mount

(b) An 0.04 ohm coupling resistor
(c) A thermocouple, and
(d) A shielded cable for connecting the thermocouple to the oscillator. Also
included in the cable are the wires connecting the DC output from the
thermocouple to the RF filter in the oscillator unit, and then to the
MULTIPLY Q BY Meter.
(e) A guard plate, used for shipping, which protects the projecting thin
tinned copper strip which connects to the Q Meter LO post.

REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE

1. Remove panel from Q Meter. Remove nine screws around sides and top
edge of panel. Place panel face down, preferrably on some soft materiaL

2. Remove oscillator shield box cover. Remove four screws on top surface
of cover. Loosen three screws on outside edge and loosen three hex-
headed screws on inside edge of shield box cover. Slide cover off.

3. Disconnect defective thermocouple unit. Unsolder the three wires

connected to the RF Filter and oscillator output terminals within the
oscillator shield box (see "interior" view of type 160A Q Meter, Fig. 4,
item 26 in Instruction Manual for Q Meter, Types 1OOA, 160A, and 1 70A.
NOTE: In early editions of manual see Fig. 2, item 26).- Unsolder the
thin tinned copper strip (leading from the thermocouple unit to the adjacent
binding ppst) at the binding post-

BOONTON DIVISION GREEN POND ROAD

ROCKAWAY, NEW JERSEY 07866
Hewlett-Pockord Com pony Precision Electronic Instruments since 1934

TELEPHONE: 201-627-6400 • TWX: 201-627-3912 • CABLE ADDRESS: BOONRACO

 CAUTION: Use a hot iron and supply heat only long enough to free the
solder to avoid overheating and possible damage to the mica insulating,
the binding post, and also to the. 04 ohm coupling resistor within the
thermocouple unit. Care must be exercised in lifting the thin tinned
copper strip from the binding post to avoid damage to this and to the
.04 ohm resistor.

4. Remove the thermocouple unit from the panel by removing the two screws
which secure it. These screws are accessable from the top of the panel.

5. Remove the calibrating resistor (this is located at the "Multiply Q Meter",

see item 18 "interior" view).

6. Install the replacement thermocouple unit. Remove the guard plate from
the replacement thermocouple unit by carefully removing the protective
cardboard piece and the 6/32 binding head screws which secure the guard
to the thermocouple unit.

Secure the thermocouple unit in place in the Q-Meter with the two screws
mentioned in paragraph 4. Reverse the operations mentioned in paragraph
2 and 3, using the same precautions.

CAUTION: In soldering the thin tinned copper strip of the replacement

thermocouple unit to the binding post, it is important that a slight amount
of slack be left in the strip. It is also important that no part of the strip
touch the nut which secures the binding post.

CAUTION: Check the connections for correct polarity of the TC output leads
to the "Multiply-Q -By-Meter". If incorrectly connected, these leads may be
reversed at the meter.

7. Install the new calibrating resistor. Replace panel on cabinet.

The Q Meter is ready for operation. No calibration of the thermocouple is

necessary.
I SERVICE NOTE P-00160-60001

STOCK NO. 00160-60001

(old No. BRC-60086)

BINDING POST ASSEMBLY

7he binding post assembly, Stock No. 00160- o o

60001 is a replacement assembly for all BRC ©
model160A Q Meters. .
@ @ rR\Untinned
REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE FI NGERS Q; Post
o @ 0 t4--l-----"
1. The Q Tuning unit is removed from the o
instrument. Facing the front of the Q unit Figure #1
find two screws (on the upper left edge
that secure the top plate. Remove screws. 4. Solder copper strap across the two top
Do not attempt to remove plate until the posts that are pre-tinned for ease in doing
end flaps of the copper strap are unsol- this operation. At this point the capacitor:
dered from their stator connections. Lift is ready for re-assembly by reversing the
plate straight up so that silver contactors foregoing procedure.
will not be disturbed in their alignment.

2. Place plate on its back with " contacts Ii

pointed up. Use 1/2 wrench on the one nut
.,securing mica to plate. Remove nut and
washer. Then using a heavy soldering
iron running quite' hot, quickly unsolder
strap from binding posts. Apply high heat
for a short period so that protective coat- Figure #2
ing on mica is not injured. Then with cop-
per strip off drop mica from plate. 5. Special care should be taken so that the
six silver fingers are in good contact with
3. Leave plate in same position and insert the disc on the capacitor' rotor. An angle
new terminal plate. It is imperative that of 105 degrees should be maintained be-
the untinned binding post be used to se- tween front of capacitor and top plate
cure the mica to the top plate. The re- as shown in Figure #2 above.
maining binding posts'are tinned- and
should occupy the relative positions shown CAUTION: Do not handle mica with fingers.
in Figure #1. Use cotton gloves or tweezers.

BOONTON DIVISION GREEN POND ROAD

ROCKAWAY, NEW JERSEY 07866
Hewlett·Pockord Company Precision Electronic Instruments since 1934

TELEPHONE: ;201-627-6400 • TWX: 201-627-3912 • CABLE ADDRESS: BOONRACO